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Pieter Swanepoel Studio +27 28 316 2537 / +27 82 578 6877 / 1 Soutpan Close, Vermont, Western Cape, South Africa / info@pictureframes-sa.co.za
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I undertake the conservation (sometimes referred to as restoration) of old/antique picture-frames.
The preferred term is “conservation” which means the consolidation and/or stabilisation of an object as opposed to “restoration” which means bringing the object back to it’s original or near original state.
Most projects involve a mix of the two processes with the overall aim to preserve as much of the original craftsman’s work as is possible.
Successful conservation starts with a thorough investigation before any work is done. The type of substrate, gilding method (if a gilded frame) and the type of leaf or any surface treatment must be established so that an appropriate strategy for conservation can be developed. The aim is always to retain the original surface, using traditional methods and materials. Much of the work is long, painstaking and meticulous and in most cases the conservation/restoration can take between 4 to 6 weeks.
Some or all of the following points make out conservation or restoration of a picture-frame:
- Consolidation - areas of flaking gold or pieces of decoration that are coming away are re-adhered with a suitable glue.
- Rejoining open corners - when a frame comes apart at the miters, the corners are rejoined.
- Cleaning - dust and dirt that has collected over the years, is carefully removed taking care not to over-clean so that the frame retains it’s appearance of age.
- Removal of old repairs - old repairs can sometimes be very distracting if they are crude or if the frame has been touched in with gold (bronze) powders or paints that have tarnished over time. These can be improved or be removed and replaced.
- Replacing missing decoration - where one or more ornaments are missing, a mould can be taken from elsewhere on the piece and the new piece can be made using tradional materials and techniques.
- Applying metal or gold leaf and/or paint - to match the original finish.
- Toning and distressing - when gold leaf is applied to the repairs, it is modified by toning and distressing to match the existing colour of the gilded object.
See an example of a frame restored here and an example of a re-finished frame here.
Contact me for your picture-frame conservation/restoration needs.
