Center Art Studio – The Conservation Experts

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By Appointment: 307 W 38th St #1105, New York, NY 10018

info@centerart.com

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The Conservation Experts

Center Art Studio combines the latest technology with over a century’s experience.
Our team of conservators and advisors, working from our Manhattan studio and on location, provide you complete curatorial support.

Today this beautiful portrait of Helena Modjeska l

Today this beautiful portrait of Helena Modjeska left our studio and returned home to @theplayersny. Modjeska was an actress who achieved great success in her home country of Poland. In 1876 she immigrated to the United States and continued a successful stage career, assuming the roles of many different Shakespearean heroines. Prior to cleaning, her image was greatly obscured by thick layers of dirt and varnish. After cleaning and conservation, this portrait is luminous and beautiful.

#conservation #restoration #fineart #portrait #behindthescenes #nyc

An often overlooked but vital part of paintings co

An often overlooked but vital part of paintings conservation is addressing various aspects of the structural support. Watch as Kerry treats a painting whose paint layer is flaking from its fabric support.

#conservation #restoration #fineart #oilpainting #religiousart #SaintSebastian #nyc #studio #behindthescenes #church #chiesa

Eva just finished restoring this 18th century poly

Eva just finished restoring this 18th century polychrome sculpture of Saint Paul holding a sword and book. Treatment included the removal of discolored varnish, stabilizing the surface to prevent further flaking, filling areas of loss, and limited retouching. Swipe left for an image of Eva working.

#conservation #restoration #sculpture #fineart #studio #nyc

HG recently completed the restoration of this Java

HG recently completed the restoration of this Javanese shadow puppet lampshade that came into the studio with warped buffalo hide panels and deteriorating upholstery. HG reupholstered the shade with a 100% Shantung silk backing panel before reattaching the hide panels. The hide underwent dry cleaning and a meticulous humidifying treatment before being flattened under weight. The treatment process and reinforcements will prevent the lampshade from warping in the future.

#conservation #restoration
#fineart #studio #nyc #behindthescenes

We enjoy capturing time-lapse footage of our ongoi

We enjoy capturing time-lapse footage of our ongoing studio projects. It is entertaining to watch hours of treatment progress condensed into a few short minutes. This time-lapse emphasizes the dramatic difference that is achieved by removing oxidized varnish and buildup from the surface of a painting. Tyler is using solvent suspended in gel to clean this winter scene by Franz Kline. The gel allows for a more controlled application of the solvent, and is helpful for paintings that have a thick layer of dirt and old varnish. Our next steps will be to consolidate any areas of flaking, fill areas of loss, and preform limited retouching to restore the integrity of the original image.

#conservation #restoration #fineart #studio #timelapse #nyc

Tyler recently completed the restoration of this K

Tyler recently completed the restoration of this Kachina doll. The doll came into the studio with a missing ear and a chipped left hand. Tyler fabricated a new ear from our collection of fragmented ivory, and filled the chip on the left hand before inpainting it.
Swipe to see the before.

#conservation #restoration #fineart #beforeandafter #studio

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