Specialist Restoration
Triumph or Travesty? The Controversial Restoration of the Sistine Chapel
The frescoes of the Sistine Chapel together make up one of the most significant works of art in the world. Their conservation-restoration between 1980 and 1994 was one of the most significant conservation-restorations of the 20th century, and perhaps ever. But it was not without its controversies. To say that the work divided opinion among […]
The Restoration of Huysmans at Wrest Park
At the Farcroft Group, we are passionate about the need to preserve and protect our cultural heritage through the conservation and careful restoration of historic and important works of art. We are not alone in our drive to see the country’s most beautiful and notable artworks brought back to their best; across the country there are […]
Oil Painting Retouching During Restoration
Several issues can cause oil paint loss from the surface of a painting. Paintings can be thought of as a series of layers, and artists work to ensure that the layers are compatible with each other, and stay in place for the long term. Archival and museum quality materials are those that are designed to […]
The Joys and Complexities of Piano Restoration
It is rare in the modern age to have a complex, functional piece of machinery in our homes that is entirely mechanical. The magic of pianos is based upon the balance and movement of a number of interrelated mechanical parts. Even with care and tuning, over time both balance and movement, and their effects, tone […]
Chandelier Restoration Explained
Early chandeliers evolved from candelabra, when more light was needed for a larger room. They were typically round or crown shaped, with holders for candles and some mechanism such as a rope and eye or pulley to allow the chandelier to be lowered and raised. This basic shape has remained the most common, though electric […]
Conservation of Gilded Religious Art: Eastern Orthodox Icons
The art of gilding, adding a layer of gold leaf to the finished, fine surface of an object or piece of furniture, was particularly suited to religious art. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, icons, small, portable portraits of saints and the Holy Family on wooden panels, were traditionally gilded on the backgrounds and as halos […]
The History Of Conservation
Art conservation is the fine, scientific discipline of conserving artwork, furniture, china and much more. The central aim is to preserve the original piece down to the finest detail. Any improvements to the appearance come second. The process of conservation may include repair, cleaning, re-shaping and so on. To give you a better understanding of […]
