01491 652984 / 07887 775570
Established since 1999
Framer & Fine Art Restorer to the National Trust
Restoration & Conservation
Restoration and conservation of all kinds of artwork
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Professional repairs, restoration and conservation
At Chaucers Framing & Restoration we can clean oil paintings, remove yellowing varnish and repair any tears or holes. Discolouration, staining and tears on maps and prints can be removed and repaired, and a traditional hand colouring service is also available. We're also able to de-acidify watercolours, restoring the paper’s original colour, without damaging the painting. Examples of some of the work we have previously undertaken can be found below.
Before and After Restoration Work
Have you got a painting which is in need of restoration? Chaucers Picture Framing & Restoration offers restoration and conservation services for oil paintings, watercolours, pastels, maps and prints, and we can also restore antique frames.
Our art restorer has 26 years' experience in this specialist field and is a member of ICON. She has undertaken work for the Duke of Wellington’s estate and has appeared on the BBC restoring fine art with Rolf Harris.
Before and After Restoration Work
Carried out by an experienced art restorer
- Oil paintings, maps, prints and watercolours restored and repaired
- Foxing treated and cleaned
- FREE painting conservation advice and restoration estimates
Restoration projects
Recently, Chaucers, in association with Niki Sealey, Fine Art Restoration and Conservation started a large restoration project at Stowe School, in the deputy head’s study.
Eleven panels of decorative chinoiserie wallpaper circa 1780, are secured to the walls by adhesive onto the plaster. Each panel is manufactured from a backing of light open weave linen, followed by an organic size and adhesive, a thin layer of paper and a hand painted chinoiserie design with a painted background. The edges of each panel are secured with a thin gilt beaded frame that has been secured with panel pins directly into the wall. The condition of each panel is poor with signs that remedial retouching of the background has been undertaken.
Although there is no history on the origins or date of the pieces, by taking into consideration the history of other decorative artwork and artists that are displayed within the house, we are of the opinion that they are late 18th Century and of European origin. However it is noted in the publication “Evoking the Orient, Marble Hill House, Twickenham” that the more distinguished client would have employed a society decorator such as Thomas Bromwich who would arrange for the wallpaper to be manufactured and hand painted in China and imported by the East India Company. In the 18th Century there was a fashion for Far Eastern styled ceramics and wallpaper, often used as a sign of opulence. Although there were imports from the Far East, often mistakenly thought as Japanese imports, undertaken by the East India Company along with their spices, many European artists were commissioned to replicate the ornate style for the gentry.
It was also a time of great natural history discovery, and prints and sketches provided the opportunity to illustrate the exotic birds and botanical species from far away locations.
Schedule of Work (in brief)
- Initial analysis of all pigments
- Initial surface cleaning of the background
- Consolidation of the structural layers of the linen, priming and pigments using conservation adhesive
- Consolidation and preservation of the watercolour and gum Arabic paintings using the findings from the initial analysis
- Using the paint analysis, retouch the cream tempura using a hand mixed paint compatible to the original
- Retouch the watercolour using hand mixed painted to the original recipe or compatible pigments
- Repair and retouch original beading
Pictures of work in progress
On completion of the restoration and conservation, tests for the stability of the panels will be finally undertaken to ensure the longevity and conservation of the project and any future maintenance outlined in detail.
Documentation, consisting of accurate pictorial and written records of all procedures carried out and the rationale behind them, will be presented to the Preservation Trust and can be accessed at any point during the restoration and conservation process. A copy will also remain with the conservator for future reference and guidance. All work undertaken is guaranteed to be reversible and with the outlined maintenance will be guaranteed for 10 years from date of completion.
Excellent service and high-quality picture framing
"We were most impressed with the advice and assistance received from Chaucers Picture Framing & Restoration. From on-site consultation and a wide selection of frames, through to on-time delivery, they provided an excellent service within budget. We have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone requiring high-quality picture framing."
- Ian M M Pearson, Square Foot Consulting
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