Anniversary of the 1966 Flood in Florence – A turning point for the world

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

Traditional art restoration emerged from the shadows, and the floodwaters, of the Arno River after the catastrophic flood of 1966 and became the professional discipline of art conservation. It was at this point in time that the world was shocked into collaborating to Save the extraordinary and irreplaceable artistic and literary patrimony housed in Florence. It is considered the cities worst flood since 1557! There are several significant reasons that I have it as a date to remember on my calendar. Here’s a good video summary of the efforts still being made decades later.

I’ve been to the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, the art conservation center in Florence, many times over the years and saw these art treasures in the video while they were being worked on.

A few inside details that you may enjoy knowing… I was told by Director Matteini of the conservation center that the crucifixion by Cimabue, one of Italy’s foremost Gothic artists along with Giotto, had been in bad condition and had been stored in the basement of the church for who knows how many decades. In the defense of its clerical caretakers, Florence was under severe strain in two world wars and a revolution over the last century or so and there have been many reasons why works of art have been hidden, sometimes in great haste. Whatever the reason, the 14.5′ tall Byzantine masterpiece was forgotten and considered lost as the decades passed and people rotated through the administration of the church . Imagine the surprise by salvage workers who were pulling art out of flood water and mud to find one of the worlds greatest lost works of art!

1966 Arno High-Water Mark

The Vasari Last Supper was such a huge mess… true heartache plagued everyone at the art conservation center where it was stored for decades, pushed to the back of the waiting line because of its severe, poor condition. The Italians were geniuses and wizards as they eventually overcame these challenges and came up with an amazing, wonderful result. When I saw this 12 ft wide work of art at the Opificio, it made my blood drain from my face it was so sad.

“They” say that the Chinese symbol for chaos or crisis is the same as “opportunity.” In any case, the philosophical thinkers spanning millennia often expressed the positive mental attitude that after a disaster or crisis, commitment which generates positive energy and resources are result in great opportunities. Such is the case with the worlds response to the 1966 flooding of the Arnold in Florence Italy. Badly needed resources that were never available previously were galvanized into applying the sciences to the preservation and restoration of artistic, historic and cultural testimonies so important to our collective memory. Indeed, the disastrous flood of the Arno River is worth remembering.

Questions about your art, even though you may feel its only a family portrait or heirloom? Call us for a chat at 805 564 3438 or gena.FACLBusinessManager@gmail.com

Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon, veteran art conservators at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=300056

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=300056

 

 

 

Posted in Disaster/Emergency Response, Saving Public Art | Tagged | Leave a comment

How Much Does Painting Repair Cost? – Las Vegas art restoration services

Have you been wondering how much painting repair costs? You’re in luck. In this article, the process of how pricing for an art restoration, painting repair, conservation services plan, etc. works. Let’s dive into how we can get your items back to their best condition.

Why do we provide painting restoration and conservation services in Las Vegas? There is so much art in homes and private collections all over the city. Your home might even have a painting or two in it. Do you wonder how much painting repair might cost you? Well, it’s not as simple as just giving a price per square inch as you might do for painting a house. Each painting and its history is unique, and cleaning it requires a special approach. Let’s explore why you can’t just “hit it with a mop” and how to find out how much it costs to clean a painting or repair an artwork.

3 progress photos of the restoration of an old paper artwork depicting Buddha

This was a complicated project with many unexpected developments along the way. We were in communication with the owner about treatments that need to be added to the original treatment plan. The cost of the treatments were communicated through every step of the process.

Imagine being an art conservator in charge of restoring artworks. People often ask you, “How much does it cost to clean a painting?” They might think it’s like getting an estimate for a home repair. Art is much more complicated. It’s not about size or measurements; it’s about understanding the artwork’s history and what it needs.

Did you know that cleaning an Old Master painting is different from cleaning an Impressionist painting or other types of art? In regards to painting restoration, modern acrylic paintings are treated differently from old family portraits. Each style has its unique way of being cleaned

For example, we at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL)  once worked on a famous series of 40 paintings, all made by artist Henry Chapman Ford between 1874 and 1886. These paintings show the Spanish missions of California and were made for the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. Every single one of these 40 paintings needed a different way of being cleaned. As you can imagine, it took a while to estimate the treatment plan for each of these artworks.

Cleaning a painting is not as simple as it may seem. It’s a process of discovery and careful analysis. The professional who cleans the painting, known as a conservator, must be very careful and make decisions based on their judgment. They can’t just use ordinary cleaning products. Cleaning a painting requires skill, patience, and respect for its history and value.

landscape painting of the Amalfi Coast with a large L-shaped tear in the middle of it

Ripped oil painting of the Amalfi Coast to be repaired perfectly by Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

If you’re curious about how an Impressionist painting is cleaned, especially one that’s not too complicated, you can watch a short video. It shows the cleaning of a painting by the famous California Impressionist Edgar Payne. The video reveals that to clean a painting isn’t a quick task but a delicate and precise process that preserves the art’s beauty.

Watch the cleaning video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DSzHcEBZ40

If you have an artwork that needs cleaning or restoration, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts like us. We’re here to answer your questions and offer many Las Vegas art collectors/owners professional guidance. At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, we take pride in preserving and restoring art. We’re here to help you and provide a free estimate. We’ll even come to your home to evaluate your artwork! Talk to an experienced conservator today to see how much it may cost to repair or clean your paintings or other artworks.

an older, well-dressed white man with gloves on using a microscope to analyze a painting

Head Conservator, Scott M. Haskins analyzing the condition of the painting on the table

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind. 

You can contact Fine Art Conservation Laboratories at (702) 757-3820

Or visit our website at: www.facllasvegas.com to get started on the journey of preserving your artwork’s beauty and history.

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. 

What does it mean that this article is “syndicated”?

It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and it’s certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA National Redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See the syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

Posted in Consultations | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Prevent Earthquake Damage for Collectibles, Antiques and Art Los Angeles, Orange County

This article was flagged as an authoritative source of information and syndicated. See end of article for explantion.

California sponsors an earthquake drill every year called the Great California ShakeOut, which was this week. https://www.shakeout.org/california/

Your attention on protecting items important and valuable to you that, perhaps, cannot be insured will be of great benefit to your peace of mind. and future generations if the items are of importance to family history. Here are 5 tips to protect and save art, antiques, collectibles and memorabilia

If you implement measures to protect furnishings, collectibles, artwork from damage in an earthquake, your insurance company MAY decrease your insurance premium.

5 Tips to Protect and Save

Art, Antiques, Collectibles and Memorabilia

from 

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

Does your home or office have paintings hanging on the wall? Or maybe sports memorabilia near your desk? They could be in danger of being damaged in the next earthquake… or even worse, they could come flying off the wall and hit someone!

If you live in an earthquake zone, chances are you have experienced at least a tremor or a small earthquake. When it turns into a serious shaker, you will be in danger if the pieces around the office are not completely secured on the wall.  If you have your paintings or sports memorabilia held onto the wall with just a nail it will not suffice in a bigger earthquake… like the one “they” are practicing for in The Great California Shake Out this last week

The painting in this interesting 57 second educational video for collectors, for example, fell off the wall when the house began to shake in Santa Barbara (the screw holding the wire pulled out of the frame). Besides putting huge holes in the painting and causing original paint loss (and frame damage) it completely shattered the heads of the Chinese statues worth $10,000’s.

The Victorian framed art fell off the wall and onto the heads of these two very valuable Chinese heirloom statues… a huge emotional loss.

While this accident caused $50,000.00 of damage and loss of value (insurance covered it), a cherished irreplaceable heirloom would have been a heart breaker… BUT TOTALLY AVOIDABLE!!!

Here is an earthquake fact: Notice in the photos of the earthquake damage that you see on the news and/or the Internet that not all homes, building etc are completely destroyed. Yes, there is an epicenter that gets hit hard. But not even all the buildings in the critical area get hit hard… and there are millions of people in the surrounding areas that are “just” rattled. Not only could something flying around the room be dangerous, losing treasure family/personal items and be heartbreaking. IT ALWAYS PAYS TO PREPARE in order to:

  1. Keep things from flying around in the air during the earthquake for personal safety
  2. Protect important historical items
  3. Save financially valuable items
  4. Protect and save emotionally valuable items
  5. Know ahead of time what will impact your home of business if you lose it.

If you take these easy steps, you can worry about your safety during a disaster instead of grandma’s favorite floral vase.

Surprisingly, an easy, fast, do-it-yourself anchoring technique can save you in all of these five needs of being protected mentioned above… in all of these problem areas… this will help you BIG TIME! Here’s 1:30 sec quick fun interesting video: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Do you have art collection care questions? Call Scott Haskins 805 564 3438

Art and antiques appraisal questions? Call Richard Holgate at 805 895 5121

Follow us on Facebook at Scott M. Haskins and at Save Your Stuff

Here is a real life testimonial…

Scott,

Thanks for writing such a good article on the Italian earthquake. I was glad to read it and send it on to friends—some of them in Italy!

We do take many of the precautions you mentioned in your article and book including having earthquake insurance in Indiana. The New Madrid fault rumbles here every once in a while and after living in CA we would never take a chance. Just last year we had a small quake that rattled all my antiques and would have broken quite a few items in a pottery collection.  But we bought some Museum Wax when we visited my sister in San Diego in December. David had installed Plexiglas in the front of the open case. Plus we have wires on many bookshelves. Thanks for your tips and coaching. It pays to be prepared! All my best, Lynda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxOkdN-IR_o

More about Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

Do you have artwork that has flaking paint or is dirty or has yellowed varnish or is rippled or distorted or has been ripped or is stained or moldy or cracking (hopefully, not ALL of those problems all on the same painting!!)? We are happy to discuss with you on the phone or at your house or office any questions you may have about the condition of your artwork… and we know all your questions (and the answers) before you ask them. “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.” Scott M. Haskins, Principle, has been active professionally since 1975 and the other two painting conservators have been 1st class quality veterans for decades.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc. Est. 1986) provides on-location consultations and pick up/delivery professional fine art restoration services for someone who has inherited… or found a treasure, the avid collector, the weekend art dealer or professionally oriented collections. FACL is also recognized and well known nationwide and internationally for art restoration work on murals. Art storage and other related services are also available in association with the art conservation lab and services. FACL offers specialized services for art related items affected by natural and home disasters.

The FACL 5,000 sq ft. painting conservation facility is well equipped for work on your single, small family heirloom or for large projects (both in size and in numbers of items as a result of a disaster, for example). A very large 12’ hot table aids in the consolidation and stabilizing treatments. In addition, 5,000 sq. ft is available for large projects and art storage. This allows for timely response to insurance claims needs and for disaster response contracts for collections and special projects. While most mural projects are done on location, murals that have been removed from their walls are often worked on in our facilities. Easy truck access and large roll up freight doors make handling regular shipments safer and make larger shipments possible. Let’s talk about your questions! 805 564 3438 or FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

On location projects and mural conservation services have been a focus of Scott M. Haskins since working in Italy in 1975. Both small projects and very large public art projects are of interest (both historical and contemporary). Renown for excellent quality work, resolving difficult problems and managing very large projects, over 450 murals have been worked on in many of the states of the USA.

Scott Haskins, art conservator, with murals in his lab

Scott M. Haskins in the mural room of his lab.

Background and Personnel

Scott M. Haskins (1975-1978) graduated from the Italian government – Lombardy Region (ENAIP) 3 year master’s degree level painting conservation program run in conjunction with the Istituto Centrale del Restauro (ICR) in Rome (the national center). Additional professional training was obtained in the field of art on paper with senior art conservator, Joe Nkruma from the Kunst Museum, Bern Switzerland; polarizing microscopy training from the McCrone Institute, Chicago Il; techniques for treatments on oversized paintings workshops in Italy and those organized through the American Institute for Art Conservation (NY, Toronto). See website for additional background material, Murals Capabilities Statement, Consultation Capabilities Statement, Expert Witness Capabilities,

Click here for mural capability statement: https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/mural/

Click here for past consultation jobs/clients:

https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/consultations/

Click here for our FACL blog:

 http://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/blog/

Key Professionals and Specialized Personnel

Ms. Virginia Panizzon, veteran art conservator, has more than 20 years of experience on all aspects of painting conservation treatments and full-time professional commitment. Brooke Hendershott and Sarah Favret assist the art conservators and are trained conservation technicians with extensive experience in art conservation treatments including on site services, art cataloging, art handling/transport, disaster response services. Ms. Gena Dillon (Business Manager, Office Comptroller and Logistics) contributes valuable support services and Flora Arguilla MBA oversees our satellite operations in Las Vegas and oversees media duties. Several other very experienced, professional, specialized, conservator associates and technicians assist the FACL art conservators and techs on a project-by-project basis. On large projects (like murals or disaster response clean up), a network of specialized professional, very experienced, qualified associates have always been part of our team since 1978.

See more about our adventures in art conservation in our website’s media room. Click Here.

Questions? Give us a call at 805 564 3438 or Gena.faclbusinessmanager@gmail.com

 

Article Syndication 

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

 

 Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=299679

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=299679

See more about our adventures in art conservation in our website’s media room. Click Here.

Questions? Give us a call at 805 564 3438 or Gena.faclbusinessmanager@gmail.com

Posted in Disaster/Emergency Response, In Lab | Tagged | Leave a comment

Smoke-Damaged Art Repair in Las Vegas – Top 3 Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of smoke-damaged paintings, art, and antiques in Las Vegas demands expert help. This article shares real-life scenarios that can save you substantial stress and money. It’s crucial to take these lessons to heart and plan ahead to prevent bigger issues. Both stories highlight a fire incident occurring next door that impacted valuable art collections.

picture of smoke damaged office

Here is a picture of a smoke-damaged office that contained artwork in it.

1st Story (For Las Vegas Condos and Businesses):

After a nearby fire necessitated a new roof for an older building, concerns for the art gallery next door grew. While the artworks escaped the fire, the cleanup and repairs still posed a danger to the collection. The landlord and roofing company initially lacked knowledge about caring for valuable artwork.

(1st tip). It became the lessee’s responsibility to educate them about necessary precautions. 

In this case, the gallery owner hired an art conservator, who provided explicit instructions about the care of the artworks. Despite the warnings, the roofing company disregarded them. It took a firm stance from the gallery owner, and the threat of a lawsuit, to save substantial cleanup costs when the roofing project didn’t go as planned.

(2nd tip). Having an experienced art professional on the gallery owner’s side lent credibility.

2nd Story (Relevant to Las Vegas Galleries):

Recently, a New York gallery, severely affected by a neighboring fire’s smoke, faced a daunting task. The disaster response company, ServPro, declined to handle the artwork due to high liability and lack of training. Seeking a professional art conservator with disaster response experience was the right move.

(3rd tip). Referring to the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) website for a local expert was a wise choice

High-quality art conservation labs like Fine Art Conservation Laboratories excel in:

  • handling
  • evaluating
  • testing
  • cleaning artwork.

They can rescue seemingly “total losses” with impressive results. In our image, you can see a painting deemed a loss by the insurance company. It was restored to perfection, thanks to skilled painting conservators’ expertise.

pictures of before & after a painting depicting a bowl of fruit receiving smoke-damaged art repair services.

The results of our smoke-damaged art repair and restoration services.

The Importance of Art Conservation in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, is also home to an array of priceless artworks and antiques. These treasures can be a source of immense pride and heritage, but they are not immune to the unexpected. The dangers include such things as the perils of fire and smoke damage. The stories we share today explain the key role of art conservation in preserving the cultural heritage of Las Vegas.

Because Las Vegas is a city that thrives on creativity and artistic expression, smoke-damaged art and antique restoration are even more important. When disaster strikes, it’s essential to act swiftly and wisely to protect these invaluable pieces. Here are the top three tips that can make all the difference when handling smoke-damaged artworks in Las Vegas.

1. Educate and Advocate for Your Artwork

In Las Vegas, where many valuable art collections are housed in condos and businesses, communication is key. The first story we shared highlights the importance of educating those responsible for repairs on how to protect artwork during renovations. Whether it’s a condo owner or a business proprietor, it’s essential to be proactive and take the necessary precautions

(1st tip). Expert art conservators can provide detailed instructions on how to safeguard artwork. In our story, a gallery owner’s persistence and a threat of legal action ensured that the roofing project proceeded as planned. This ultimately saves a significant amount on cleanup and downtime costs (2nd tip).

2. Seek Expert Guidance

The second story, which revolves around a New York gallery, serves as a valuable lesson for Las Vegas residents. When smoke damage impacts an art collection, seeking professional help is imperative. Disaster response companies, while excellent at handling certain aspects, may not be equipped to handle valuable artwork due to the high liability involved. Professional art conservators with disaster response experience are the ideal choice (3rd tip). By turning to experts in handling, evaluation, testing, and cleaning of art, you can ensure the proper care of your valuable pieces.

picture of a portrait before professional surface cleaning and after.

Results of our smoke-damaged art repair and cleaning services often appear like this.

Preserving Las Vegas’s Cultural Heritage

Las Vegas is not only a hub for entertainment but also a city with a rich cultural heritage. The art and antiques found in the city tell a story of creativity, history, and the vibrant spirit of its residents. When disaster threatens to damage this legacy, art conservation professionals step in as the guardians of our shared history.

Art conservators, like those at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, exemplify the dedication and expertise needed to restore seemingly irreparable damage. In our image, you can see a painting that was initially declared a total loss by an insurance company but was saved through meticulous restoration. The teamwork between the clients, ServPro, and art conservators represents the collaborative spirit of Las Vegas while preserving its cultural treasures.

Conclusion: Protecting Las Vegas’s Artistic Legacy

As we navigate the complex world of art and antique significance in Las Vegas, it becomes evident that professional guidance is essential. Artworks and antiques are not just possessions but the embodiment of history and creativity. By learning from these stories and following the top three tips, Las Vegas residents can ensure that their cultural treasures remain vibrant and enduring, preserving the city’s rich artistic legacy for generations to come.

If you’d like to ask our conservators a question, please call (702) 757-3820 or visit our website.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and it’s certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA National Redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy, or valuable for wide popular interest. See the syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records-related information, distributor of academic content, and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

 

Posted in Disaster/Emergency Response | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Cherished Heirloom Painting Repair in Las Vegas by Professionals

As an experienced art conservator, my work often leads me on a journey through Las Vegas, where I have engaging discussions about the process of painting repair and the repair process. People most often come to me to repair artwork, whether the problem is a ripped painting, unsightly cracks, or even mold. These conversations often take me to people’s homes and offices. There, I have the privilege of examining artworks and advising on the restoration.  It’s an honor to act as a bridge between past and present generations. Recently, I had the honor of consulting on a family’s ancestral portrait.

A contemporary abstract painting belonging to a private collector needed some TLC before being taken out of storage and put on exhibition.

Heirlooms and artworks serve as living conduits to bygone eras. They allow us to reconnect with our roots, remember loved ones, and share tales of our ancestors with future generations. Yet, a common question arises, especially when these items change hands through generations: Is it truly worth restoring them? Can something be priceless when it seemingly holds no monetary value? How do we decide what to save and protect among our possessions?

Understanding the worth of these family treasures requires a multi-dimensional perspective. One must consider the tangible financial value, the intangible emotional value, and the historical significance that each piece might embody. It becomes particularly rewarding when the emotional and historical ties to an item intersect with its intrinsic artistic value. This amalgamation of factors influences the decision-making process of painting restoration and preservation.

A truly heartbreaking situation but a result of a very stupid collector who shipped this gorgeous, high quality, valuable artwork with little protection. The glass broke and then slid around in the packing which broke up the paint layers. We could have stabilized and done painting restoration to this to look perfect, preserving its beauty and some of its value but the collector didn’t want to spend the money and I think they threw it away!!

The key factor that often tips the scales in favor of restoration is the condition of the artwork. Oil paintings, like other forms of art, can suffer the effects of time and environmental factors. This leads to issues such as rip damage, discolored varnishes, and flaking paint. Addressing these concerns through meticulous painting conservation and art restoration can breathe new life into an artwork, allowing it to continue narrating its story for generations to come.

In the realm of art conservation, we recognize that value extends beyond the appraisal of an artwork. Value includes narratives that the art carries, the emotions it evokes, and the connections it fosters across generations. Thus, the question of whether an heirloom or artwork is “worth” restoring finds its answer in the profound appreciation of its multifaceted significance, ensuring that it remains an enduring beacon of familial history and artistic legacy.

A recent experience of an heirloom painting repair in Las Vegas, Nevada, exemplifies the sentiment of preserving familial legacies with painting restoration. In this instance, a family entrusted us with the care of the treasures accumulated over the years by their parents as their family expanded. These objects held not only physical attributes but also a trove of cherished memories. It was an honor to engage in the preservation, restoration, and support of this family’s commitment to their heritage by tending to a diverse collection of nearly two dozen items. If you’d like to chat or ask questions about our art conservation services in Las Vegas, call (702) 757-3820.

This is a quick testimonial of our heirloom restoration services.

 

Here is our webpage for other testimonials about painting restoration and more. Scroll down the page… I think you’ll find several of the examples interesting and entertaining:

https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/testimonials

Scott Haskins, art conservator, with murals in his lab

Scott M. Haskins in the mural room of his lab.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and it’s certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

Posted in art restoration of family portraits, Consultations, Painting on canvas | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Water-Damaged Painting Restoration in Las Vegas

This artwork needed water-damaged painting restoration services for this beautiful piece depicting two girls in their bedroom, illuminated by the candle light.

This painting has been severely water-damaged.

FACL, Inc. is known for its Las Vegas disaster response, especially services such as smoke, fire, mold, and water-damaged painting restoration. We have over 30 years of experience and have worked on a wide variety of items, including paintings, murals, heirlooms, and collectibles. We understand that art and collectibles are often irreplaceable, and we take great care to restore them to their former glory.

Our disaster response services include:

  • Emergency assessment: We will quickly assess the damage to your art and collectibles and develop a plan for restoration.
  • Stabilization: We will take steps to prevent further damage to your art and collectibles.
  • Cleaning: We will clean your art and collectibles using gentle methods that will not damage them.
  • Repair: We will repair any damage to your art and collectibles using traditional and innovative techniques.
  • Restoration: We will restore your art and collectibles to their former glory.

We also offer a variety of other services, such as:

Storage: We can provide secure storage for your art and collectibles.

Transportation: We can safely transport your art and collectibles to and from our facility.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.

If you have any art or collectibles that have been damaged by a disaster, please contact Fine Art Conservation Laboratories today. We will work with you to restore your treasures to their former glory.

Here are some additional tips for protecting your art and collectibles from disasters:

  • Keep them in a safe place. This means keeping them away from water, moisture, and pests.
  • Handle them with care. Avoid touching the surface of the artwork or heirloom with your bare hands.
  • Clean them regularly. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  • Get them professionally insured. This will help to protect you financially in case your art or heirlooms are damaged.
  • Develop a disaster plan. This plan should include steps for how you will protect your art and collectibles in the event of a disaster.

Some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a disaster response service:

  • Make sure the company has experience working with art and collectibles, taking special consideration into specific services such as fire, earth, and water-damaged painting restoration.
  • Get references from previous clients.
  • Ask about the company’s insurance and security measures.
  • Get a written estimate of the costs involved.

By following these tips, you can be sure to choose a disaster response service that will protect your art and collectibles to the best of their ability. Feel free to give us a call for any questions or if you’re interested in our services: (702) 757-3820.

The process of water-damaged painting restoration for a mural depicting a tomato

Unfortunately, not even murals are safe from environmental effects

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

Posted in Disaster/Emergency Response | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Moldy Painting Restoration and other Disaster Response Services in Las Vegas

Picture of the Las Vegas strip at night, flooded.

Recent floods in Las Vegas have threatened collections, art, and heirlooms. Keep reading for tips about how to protect art.

The recent floods have caused widespread damage, and unfortunately, works of art and heirlooms are not immune. Weather events like this have led to people needing smoke, mud, water, and moldy painting restoration services. People are turning to FACL’s Las Vegas Disaster Response services for art to mitigate these damages and for advice about how to protect art. If you have art or heirlooms in your home, it is important to take steps to protect them from water damage. 

Here are some tips:

  • Move your art and heirlooms to a safe place. This could be a high shelf, a closet, or even a friend’s house. If you have to move them, be careful not to damage them.
  • Cover your art and heirlooms with plastic sheeting or tarps. This will help to protect art from the rain and debris.
  • Do not use heat or direct sunlight to dry your items, as this could further damage them.
  • Get them professionally insured. This will help to protect you financially in case your art or heirlooms are damaged.
  • If your art or heirlooms are severely damaged, you may need to seek professional help. There are companies that specialize in repairing art and heirlooms from water damage by providing services such as smoke-damage mitigation and moldy painting restoration.

One such company is Fine Art Conservation Laboratories. They have over 30 years of experience repairing art, documents, and collectibles from water damage and other environmental damage. They use state-of-the-art techniques for art conservation services such as moldy painting restoration, surface cleaning, and relining. We always bring items to their original condition.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.

Here are some testimonials from past clients who have utilized our water-damage mitigation services:


If you have any questions about how to protect art and heirlooms from water damage, please contact Fine Art Conservation Laboratories. They will be happy to help you. Our office number is (702) 757-3820.

Here are some additional information about what can lead to needing moldy painting restoration:

  • Water can cause paper to warp, fade, or discolor.
  • Water can also cause paint to crack, peel, or fade.
  • Wood can swell and warp when exposed to water.
  • Textiles can become stained, moldy, or brittle.
  • Metal can corrode or rust.

If your art or heirlooms are damaged by water, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. By following the tips above, you can help protect your valuables and ensure they last for many years.

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

Posted in art restoration of family portraits, Water Damage | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Saving The Bicentennial Freedom Mural On Prado Dam – Mural Restored, Riverside County, CA

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

 

 

 

For those of you who have driven the freeways in the Corona and Riverside areas of Southern California, you are aware of the massive mural on the side of a dam that celebrates the bicentennial birthday of our country in 1976. Painted by renegade high school students, it immediately became a beloved landmark to many but local government has struggled over the decades to maintain it and keep the vandals from covering the celebration of our freedoms with graffiti.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There have been previous attempts to restore the mural when it looked beat up but apparently no one has ever made a commitment to maintain it and keep the taggers off. Over the decades it has mostly been an eyesore and a sad reminder of ineffectual government to the millions of people a week that drive by and look at the mutilated celebration of freedom.

A couple of years ago, the artist in charge of originally painting the mural, Ron Kammeyer now a renown landscape architect, challenged local govn’t and the Army Corp of Engineers to restore the mural and maintain its message with pride. There was an explosion of bureaucracy, whining, law suites and finally in April of this year 2023, the mural was repainted faithful to the original composition but with no concern for preserving any evidence of the original historical mural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott M. Haskins, Art and Mural Conservator from Fine Art Conservation Laboratories played an important part in getting the discussions off stalemate about two years ago. He was engaged to work with attorney’s trying to protect artist’s rights and historic public art and offered opinions based on a professional point of view of facts rather than the arguments previously offered according to people’s opinions.

Mr. Kammeyer recently said, “Scott’s involvement was of paramount importance in settling what seemed to be the never-ending indecisions of the Army Corp of Engineers, The Flood Control and Water Districts of Riverside and the City of Corona. The restoration of this mural should be considered a huge victory on Mr. Haskins’ resume for professional consulting on behalf of preserving, protecting and restoring public art within our area of 7 communities.”

Some of the other municipal contracts for maintaining public art over the decades by Mr. Haskins and FALC, Inc. have been…

Municipal, State and Federal Art Maintenance Contracts

2023 The Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA). 1500 murals state-wide, contract for consulting and mural conservation services

2023 City of Porterville, CA Marching Through Time Mural

2017 -2024 Dept of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles, 3 year contract for mural assessments, consultations and mural conservation treatments, contract renewed for another 3 year term.

2021 Cultural Arts Commission, City of Santa Monica, Murals

2016 -2019 Federal Reserve Art Collection, 5 Centers in 5 of the Western United States

2012 – 2015 Province of British Columbia (murals)

2009 – 2012  Arts Commission of Los Angeles, Community Redevelopment Agency, Cultural Arts. Open ended project of various mural projects and consultation projects (assessments, murals)

2000 – Present Collection maintenance and Consulting for The Corporation of the President, Salt Lake City

1998 – Present Contract with the City of Dallas at Fair Park, Texas

1997 – 2000 General Services Administration (GSA), United States Government, Indefinite Quantity Contract for conservation services for paintings in federal buildings in 20 Western States.

Example of City Mural Maintenance Proposal (Graffiti Removal) Ideas for discussion  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/3781-2/

Public Art Protection Varnishing Murals and Oil Paintings for Future Maintenance  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/murals/public-art-protection-varnishing-murals-and-oil-paintings-for-future-maintenance/

Removing Graffiti From Murals https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/removing-graffiti-from-murals/

Public Art Mural’s Graffiti Protection Coating (Our Multi-Layer Applications) Is Put To The Test  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/murals/public-art-murals-graffiti-protection-coating-our-multi-layer-applications-is-put-to-the-test/

Mural Restored of Famous Porterville, CA Marching Bands – Maintaining Public Art  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/murals/mural-restored-of-famous-porterville-ca-marching-bands-maintaining-public-art/

Does a Public Art Mural Need Varnish If Graffiti Is Not A Problem?  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/murals/does-a-mural-need-varnish-if-graffiti-is-not-a-problem/

Protecting The Kobe Bryant Memorial Mural 2020 With An Anti-Graffiti Coating  https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/travel/protecting-the-kobe-bryant-memorial-mural-2020-with-an-anti-graffiti-coating/

Art Restoration and Conservation Consultation Services https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/consultations/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/

Posted in Consultations, Murals, Saving Public Art | Tagged | Leave a comment

Waterhouse Art Gallery Adds Their Positive Energy to the Montecito Art Scene

This article was syndicated at the renown ExpertClick.com. To see why syndication is such a big deal, see the end of this article.

 Santa Barbara’s most enduring art gallery – The Waterhouse Gallery – has opened an additional new gallery to bless Montecito with a place to gather for high quality, traditional contemporary art. Its definitely stimulating to see the quality and genius of masters who lift your spirits, tantalize your senses, and stimulate your wanderlust nature. Located at Coast Village Plaza, this cozy center is a treat to visit again and again.

The owners, Diane and Ralph Waterhouse, have been residing in Santa Barbara for decades and opened their first gallery in La Arcada Plaza (1114 State Street, Suite 9) in 1984. Today, the couple is excited to expand their cultural outreach in a different location.

Featuring a host of national and local professional artists, this space is divided up into different genres, including figurative paintings and landscape-based art depicting Santa Barbara as well as other regions. Diane explains, “Traditional contemporary work is something we are passionate about. We showcase art that we enjoy owning and displaying at our own home.”

Each one of the Waterhouse power-couple complements the other in this artistic endeavor, with Ralph Waterhouse being a renowned painter and Diane Waterhouse possessing a talent and an eye for finding captivating art. Their dynamic partnership extends beyond business to philanthropic outreach work. “We certainly work seamlessly together and are a great team,” Diane acknowledges.

As art lovers who have been a part of the business for almost four decades, their knowledge is second to none. They enjoy discussing their experiences, which will certainly enrapture any art lover. If you are kind-of shy, do not worry about venturing to a new location! Diane has a knack for making friends within minutes. Their galleries are totally non-threatening and a very easy place to feel comfortable.

Ralph and Diane Waterhouse celebrating their Santa Barbara’s gallery with Wyllis Heaton at the anniversary

The Waterhouses are renowned for their experience and expertise in the art community and have gradually built close relationships with various world-class artists, such as Scott M. Haskins, Conservator of Fine Art in Santa Barbara. The latter is a magician when it comes to resuscitating or maintaining paintings that require restoration. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories is a highly reputed institution, since invaluable paintings that sustain damage from smoke, flood, or fire are brought back to life here. Mr. Haskins revealed that during various house visits, he is stunned to find paintings procured from the Waterhouse Gallery. “The quality of artists they choose to showcase is top-notch,” he added.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories – Virginia Panizzon, Art Conservator, works on historical paintings for Casa Romantica in San Clemente, CA

When you decide to visit this gallery, be prepared to fall in love with the art pieces displayed here. Diane believes in choosing art that touches her heart and brings her joy. Each piece of art displayed here will stir your emotions and prompt you to recall stories from your past. From figurative paintings to depictions of local landscapes such as Butterfly Beach, the Historical Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Arroyo Burro Beach, you will find masterpieces that will force you to embark on an unforgettable journey.  “Interestingly enough, both the tourists and the locals enjoy art that showcases local scenes,” Diane exclaimed.

The art gallery in Montecito was opened on April 1, 2023, and the Waterhouses  are consistently excited about the prospect of interacting with other art-lovers through their gallery. In particular, Diane enjoys watching people buy their first-ever painting. “I always tell them that you should buy any piece of art that touches your heart; otherwise, you will live with regret,” she said. Simply put, something that looks great in the gallery may look even better in your home. You can even try it out in your home before you decide!

Questions? Call Diane Waterhouse 805 886 2988

Art Conservation questions?

Call Scott M. Haskins, Art Conservator 805 564 3438

See more in the featured Plein-Aire Magazine article

See more about the featured artists – https://www.waterhousegallery.com/index.html

Article By Meghana Venkata, Guest Blogger,  @venkatameghana

Meghana Venkata is a freelance writer and copy editor, currently pursuing a Master’s Degree.

 

Article Syndication Graphic.jpg

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated…

… and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest. See syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=296848

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

Posted in Consultations, FACL in the media, In The News About Art Conservation, Testimonials | Tagged | 18 Comments

Banksy’s Rat Checks Into ArtDoctor’s Office – Preserving and Restoring Street Art

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? See end of article for explanation.

After 5 Years of touring with 40 venues and millions of fans, like most famous movie stars, life has not been easy. Have you seen #SavingBanksy, the full length movie about this illegal painting that was saved from obliteration by a Hollywood Movie Director?

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories in Santa Barbara received this week an unusual work of art of world fame: 10 graffiti-covered redwood boards that were ripped from the side of a Victorian home on Haight Street in San Francisco.

Spray-painted on the side of the upper story siding, the omni-famous iconic rat is clutching a spray-gun for graffiti, the stenciled work of the yet unidentified outlaw street art superstar Banksy, who took the occasion of a wedding of a friend to promote his new movie in San Francisco in 2010.

Taking down the illegal street art before local statutes for graffiti removal got the property owner in trouble, would have obliterated the famous artwork forever. But once removed, six and seven figure bids were offered for the piece. But the savior of the painting says he can’t sell it without breaking a promise.

Brian Greif’s effort to obtain and restore the painting – and now, to display it publicly – illustrates the fervor that surrounds Banksy’s guerrilla artworks. It also stirs up a complicated debate about street art, its cultural value, and efforts to memorialize and monetize a form of expression that wasn’t intended to last. Yet, removed, it was accessible to a wide and enthusiastic audience (that still got to see the iconic rat for free) and this week it came to the ArtDoctor, Scott M. Haskins after a 5 year tour of over 40 venues and millions of fan views for a check-up.

Banksy wasn’t as mainstream in April 2010 when he made his run through San Francisco, leaving about 10 works in such neighborhoods as the Mission, Chinatown and the Haight. The visit coincided with the release of “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” his Oscar-nominated documentary that prods at the absurdities of the hyper-commercialized art market. After Banksy’s visit, Greif scrambled to see all of the works. But many were already painted over by building owners seeking to comply with city law, which considers graffiti “visual pollution.”

One such business owner was Sami Sunchild, founder of the iconic Red Victorian bed-and-breakfast inn on Haight Street. Banksy, who uses stencils so he can move quickly, painted the rat on the side of the house from the roof of an adjacent building. Sunchild, who died several years ago at age 87, was about to paint over the work when Greif approached her and cut a deal to remove the wood siding. He did so carefully in December 2010, hiring Brothers Collins Woodworking of Cotati, which specializes in historic buildings. Part of the bargain with Sunchild, he said, was a promise that he would take the piece but not sell it.

Street artists regularly paint over each other’s work, but, as Banksy’s popularity grows, so have preservation efforts. Some building owners have covered his works with Plexiglas. Or, as in Greif’s case, people have removed pieces completely. Removing the artwork involved cutting off the building the redwood siding with the “mural” (and then repairing the building to look perfect). Interestingly, as soon as the building was put back into order, someone else took advantage of the featured location in the news and turned into a marketing opportunity to promote discussion.

This week, art restorers Scott Haskins and Virginia Panizzon unpacked the wood siding with the valuable artwork from the Red Victorian at his Santa Barbara lab. Haskins and Panizzon have been restoring major artworks for 40 years. He was the team leader in restoring Gottardo Piazzoni’s “The Sea” and “The Land” murals, which were painstakingly removed from San Francisco’s old Main Library and now sit in the new de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. He has consulted on Banksy restorations in the past and said the rat painting shouldn’t require much work. “It’s basically a preservation and reassembly of the piece. It is in not bad condition and looks good,” Haskins said.

His plan is to keep the work light and portable using “airplane technology” – affixing the slats to 1-inch-thick aluminum honeycomb material.  Greif doesn’t want the piece to look new. Instead, he wants to preserve the street-art aesthetic. He wants the piece to look like it did on the side of the Red Victorian. “When we’re done, it’s going to look like you are standing on the rooftop looking at the wall,” Haskins said.

Banksy’s iconic rat, under the watchful eyes of Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon, at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories for reassembly, preservation, restoration and preparation for a massive tour.

Preserving and restoring the piece correctly and respectfully was one task. But setting up the venues for public display was a bit difficult, at the beginning, said Greif.  But once it was known that the popular artwork was available for exhibit, the rat became a celebrity and toured over 40 venues in 5 years. Still, institutional attitude, a thing that Banksy hates, was rampant in 2010.

As he discovered, curators were particular about their use of gallery space – and the context in which art is displayed. Besides the fact that planning gallery space occurred years in advance, they got sidestepped with comments like (Greif was in talks with SFMOMA and the de Young) “You’ve got to be considerate (about) if it was the artist’s intent,” said Zarobell, who was curator at SFMOMA when Greif made his inquiries. He said he contacted Banksy’s people and found that the artist apparently didn’t want the work shown in a museum… duh!!!

Though not looked at seriously in 2010, I wonder what would be their response to its availability now that Banksy is the most famous street artist in the world that captures the attention of millions?

Greif continues with his project, finding the rat new opportunities. Greif’s only stipulation, as given him by Banksy: The work must be seen publicly, for free. “Street art,” he said, “is made to look at and talk about.” One man’s effort to obtain, restore, and publicly display the street artist’s guerrilla artworks illustrates the fervor that surrounds this social movement. Never has it been more popular and more discussed… even in the digital worlds. More on that later.

Thoughts have been discussed about providing this work of art for public ownership through NFTs (digital collectibles). What do you think?

Questions? Call Scott M. Haskins 805 570 4140

Article Syndication Graphic.jpg

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”?

Its a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and its certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA national redistribution.

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy or valuable for wide popular interest.

This website’s syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records related information, distributor of academic content and expert opinion.

Posted in FACL in the media, In Lab, Murals, NFT Digital Art Consultation, Saving Public Art | Tagged , | 18 Comments