OIL PAINTING RESTORATION + CONSERVATION
The examples below represent just a small sample of the many challenging oil painting restoration projects that Oliver Brothers undertakes on a regular basis. Please visit cleaning oil paintings and damaged & torn paintings pages.
MORE OIL PAINTING RESTORATION EXAMPLES
Abbott Lawrence by G.P.A. Healy, Private Collection, Hamilton, MA | 19th Century Painting and Frame Before and After Restoration
Portrait of Ambassador Lawrence by G.P.A. Healy (before restoration):
George Peter Alexander Healy was one of the pre-eminent American portrait painters of the mid nineteenth century. His huge painting Webster’s Reply to Hayne hanging behind the stage at Faneuil Hall in Boston contains one hundred and thirty portraits. In this oval portrait of British Ambassador Lawrence, one can see the result of years of neglect. In addition to the heavy deposits of dirt, grime and discolored varnish, the canvas has split where it turns over the edge of the stretcher. This has resulted in very uneven tension, exacerbated by the oval shape, causing the buckling and severe distortions that can be seen. The frame is also in very poor condition, with chipping gesso, missing gold and dirt.
Portrait of Ambassador Lawrence by G.P.A. Healy (after restoration):
With comprehensive treatment of both the painting and the frame, the results are striking.
Dutch marine painting. Private Collection, Leesburg, VA.
Hermanus Koekkoek the Elder. 19th century, Oil Painting Before and After Restoration
The Elder Koekkoek was the patriarch of a Dutch family of painters, several of whom painted in a similar manner. The owner knew that this painting was by Koekkoek but did not know which Koekkoek. Using stylistic comparisons, Oliver Brothers experts were able to determine that this was the work of Hermanus Koekkoek the Elder – the most highly regarded member of the family. Oil painting restoration: The painting was cleaned of the yellowed varnish, and then revarnished with a non-yellowing acrylic varnish. Aside from some minor abrasions at the edges, the painting is in excellent condition. When it came to us, the painting was framed with an inappropriate French Impressionist style frame. This frame was replaced with a high quality, antique reproduction Dutch style frame.
The Hunt, private collection Boston, MA
Edouard Woutermaertens. 1819–1897
Anonymous 19th century portrait, Private collection Newton, MA.
TESTIMONIALS
“Oliver Brothers really have done an outstanding job in restoring this
so-dreadfully-woe-begone and damaged painting.Again I want you to know that this painting brings me much joy, and it
elicit gasps from guests who have seen it.”
“Thank you very much for the wonderful job you did cleaning an oil
painting. It’s nice to know that there is someone with your skill who is
also so nice to work with!”
Back to our Fine Art Restoration, Repair & Conservation Services page | or directions to our Studio LINK