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Fine Art Conservation Laboratories consulted with collection management for new lighting of the Stations of the Cross in the main chapel of the Santa Barbara Mission
People call me all the time to ask for guidance on one thing or another related to care of and restoring paintings. Of course, some people are conscientious and are pretty good at following my instructions based on 50 years of professional practice. But, some people are incorrigible do it yourselfers and are going to do it their way no matter what. Why do they even call me? I have numerous stories about extremely stupid people thinking they’re smarter than me and do “it” their own way resulting in disaster. I usually save those stories for entertainment at dinner appointments. But I’ll mention this example quickly…
Fine Art Conservation Laboratories tried to coach this cowboy but…
A man had two very nice paintings that he wanted to bring to me and I cautioned him about handling them and protecting them so that no damage occurred when he brought them to me. He then proceeded to put them in the back of his open pick-up truck with no protection and without securing them down. They blew out of the truck onto the freeway and were shredded by the cars running over them. He managed to go back and pick them up off the freeway and still brought them to me! It was not a good meeting. I reacted to his idiocy and he reacted like I was personally offending him when I told him that one painting was going to be $12,000 and the other one would be $7000 to bring them back to perfect stable condition and undo the damage that he caused. Without a doubt, because of what he did, their market value was also compromised. I don’t understand where this state of mind comes from… I have had this exact scenario happen two or three times in my career!
6 Restored Antique Silver Candlestick Holders from the Alter at Mission Santa Barbara
Reaching out to consult with an art restoration professional to answer questions and find out options is a smart step to take when you’re concerned about planning, quality control, and a myriad of logistics. While you may be thinking that art restoration professional’s hands-on-craftsmanship type talent is all that is in play, taking advantage of the breadth and depth of this niche of knowledge can save you $10,000’s of damage repair and loss… or from overspending. This can be important for a family redistributing and disposing of keepsakes, moving and storage of art, antiques and heirlooms, and managing a collection whether it’s big or small. Find someone who works professional in this field you trust and cultivate that friendship. Here’s a quick example:
Before and after appearance of the 6 restored antique silver candlestick holders from the alter at Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Santa Barbara, The Queen of the Missions, has accumulated over the last 140 years devotional objects (artwork, library items and artifacts) that today tell an important story for the Catholic Church, the Santa Barbara area, the history of the old Spanish missions, and the history of the state of California. (If you would like support their preservation and restoration efforts, here’s a link) Although our lab specializes in the preservation and restoration of paintings, we are often assisting in conversations about processes and plans for other types of objects. Recently, we were honored and pleased to help with the restoration of six silver antique candlestick holders. We helped with their safe handling and transportation to subcontractors, helped to choose quality craftsmanship for their restoration process, and assured that the work was done as contracted. In the end, the result was exactly what was desired by the Mission and the project came in well under budget.
Santa Barbara Mission Admin receiving restored candlestick holders
We invite people to call us for questions you have about caring for and restoring artwork. In fact, I’ve written several books to help people “take care of their stuff.” I speak with and connect with people through text and email also many times a day. I’m writing this article for you, hoping you’ll find some aspect of it compelling or intriguing from an art point of view. Let what I’m relating to you expand your understanding of preserving our cultural heritage (of which your family history items are part) a little-known knowledge niche of the art world. This is kind of a “back room” conversation that the public never hears… and now you are more acquainted with!
Scott M. Haskins and Virginia Panizzon, veteran art conservators at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories
Don’t hesitate to call if you have questions. We are happy to chat with you, live, on the phone (yes, with a real person)
Scott Haskins, Virginia Panizzon
805 564 3438
gena.facl.businessmanager@gmail.com
The Real Person!
Author Kristin acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
Even if the anecdote was funny and all too relatable it breaks my heart how people will go out of their way to save their pride! Totally compromising heirlooms and gorgeous works of art in order to satisfy your DIY persona is baffling! I do hope that people do take more care of those artifacts, if not for their sentimental value at least for others to enjoy!
The Real Person!
Author Scott M. Haskins acts as a real person and passed all tests against spambots. Anti-Spam by CleanTalk.
Thanks for your comment and heartfelt comment, Kristin. You are right, absolutely! Preserving the original items of our past is an effort of positive energy on so many levels!!