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Fine Art Conservation
Paintings Conservator Joanne Barry, Charleston SC
Fine Art Conservation
Paintings Conservator, Joanne Barry, Master of Science, Winterthur, University of Delaware
Textures Lost to Time
Conservation - Where Art and Technology Meet - Joanne Barry speaks on the effect of time on art and architecture and the preservation techniques of conservators. Next presentation April 2024 Details and sign up at bottom of this page
Examination and Condition Report
The first step is a full analytical examination and written condition report.
Examination
The condition of a painting is documented before any proposal for treatment is given. We must record important details about the painting regarding the current state of the paint layer, canvas and stretcher, as well as offer the client choices to best preserve a work of art.
X-radiograph
An x-radiograph can sometimes reveal other images or "changes of mind" the artist had made underneath the existing surface image of a painting.
Previous Treatment
A conservator examines the painting to determine what changes the paint layer has undergone over its life and possible previous restoration.
Proper treatment requires analysis
Paintings are complex multi layered systems that require preservation. A conservator understands the delicacy of the paint and glaze layers.
Cleaning of early 19th century portrait by Gilbert Stuart
Reducing discolored varnish can be one step of a painting conservation treatment.
Flaking paint
Consolidation of flaking paint is an important part of conservation. In treating flaking paint we must secure as much of the original paint layer as possible. Small flakes are set back down using conservation adhesives and gentle heat.
Every flake is part of the bigger picture.
The smallest bits of flaking paint can be restored. Never dust off or discard flakes of paint from the surface of a painting. Even the finest of flakes can be set down to restore the integrity of a work of art.
Restored
In this way the artist's original material is restored with little added paint from the conservator.
Surface Cleaning
A painting can acquire decades or centuries worth of ambient household dust and dirt that will obscure the look of the painting.
Large Scale Projects
A conservation team works together on scaffolding in church
Cleaning the Last Supper
We will bid on projects requiring scaffolding. Creating a team of conservators and interns requires additional planning. Large scale projects are undertaken serving churches, public buildings and historic homes.
Large Scale Projects
On site architectural projects
This three dimensional sculpted frieze of "The Last Supper" was surface cleaned to restore its shining glory.
Working in situ
Decorative frieze is gently cleaned
Some art requires on site care. Dirt and dust are gently rolled away using soft cotton swabs and a mild enzymatic solvent.
Profiles
Conservators are program trained. This means they have received a Master of Science degree from an accredited University and have spent years interning at museums, working at the side of senior conservators. Joanne Barry graduated the Winterthur/ University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation in 1998. Her training and contract work has served the Greenville County Museum of Art, the High Museum in Atlanta, the de Young Museum San Francisco, the Nantucket Historic Society and the Historic Charleston Foundation.
Condition Survey
Norman Rockwell at the High Museum of Art
Before an exhibition is installed, all the works of art are examined and their condition is documented.
Treatment
The treatment of a Maxfield Parrish work was delicately cleaned. Parrish built up his paintings with layers of varnish to achieve the luminous effect.
Examination
Examination under normal light
Paintings reveal signs of instability when examined under raking light.
Examination
Examination under raking light
- Raking light reveals the canvas tension, drawing or puckering at the corners. This will eventually lead to cracking and paint loss if not addressed.
Education
Appreciating art from previous centuries. Several times a year Joanne Barry delivers lectures for students and the general public interested in the care of art work and demonstrating the conservation process.
Varnish
Varnish reduction on a Thomas Sully portrait
The clear protective coating on a painting will show signs of aging. It can discolor and collect dust and dirt. Reducing the varnish layer without injuring the paint layer is a matter of utmost importance. An awareness of the chemistry is crucial in the cleaning of a painting.
Retouching
The art of retouching a painting is one where the conservator makes her work 'invisible' Reversible conservation materials and specialized types of paints are used so that the artists original work is preserved and the conservation work can be reversed when necessary.
Care and handling
Learn about the proper care and handling of paintings to prevent damage and loss of paint. Injuries to painting can be avoided with basic care and handling skills.
Contact
Please email your inquiry
Consultation
virtual
Fine Art Conservation Charleston offers an initial phone consultation. Please be ready to send, via email or text, a few photographs of your art work. Send inquiries to joannebarry99@gmail.com
Select date and timeEvent time zone:America/New York GMT-04:00Multi Media Restoration
Ceramic tiles were handmade to replace 18th Century Delft tile for the Brandford-Horry historic home in Charleston SC.
Delft Tile Project
New tiles fabricated to match the historic tiles.
Tiles were laid side by side with the authentic 18th century tiles,. When completed, the new tiles were indistinguishable from the original.
Missing tiles
In order to match the historic tiles, clay was rolled and cut by hand. Glazes had to be hand made by grinding pigment to create a match to the historic colors.
New tiles were hand painted, and fired in a small kiln. New tiles are being mortared in place.
Fireplace tiles restored.
Painted Furniture 18th Century Sofa
18th Century Recamier Sofa Project
18th Century Recamier Sofa Restored
Three oil painting landscapes grace each rondelle of the recamier.
18th Century Recamier Sofa Restored
Cleaning and varnish reduction of landscape painting
18th Century Recamier Sofa Restored
Landscape painting after treatment
