Painted turtle shell with darkened varnish and grime and loss to the paint surface
The objects conservator and painting conservator already involved in the project performed the tasks of humidifying and consolidating the paint layer and cleaning the surface.
My part was to fill all losses and inpaint to match the surrounding surface area.
Painted turtle shell after conservation treatment
Improper storage (not with us!) caused the paint layer to buckle, lifting and cracking over most of the surface. We had to start all over.
The objects conservator put a facing over the surface to keep the loose paint intact for the trip back to the studio.
My job was to remove the facing and put it all back together.
Painted turtle shell after second conservation
Pier mirror base designed and built by Jim Horne, furniture builder and restorer
Pier mirror base with gesso
Pier mirror base with bole
Pier mirror base with final gilded surface
Conservation of interdisciplinary and collaborative projects