10 Art Conservation Transformations: Amazing Before and Afters
When you go to a museum or other place of exhibition, you may not realize how much work goes into preparing those objects for display. Many hours of assessment, planning and treatment go into conservation and restoration. All the hours are worth it when you get to the end and see just how far the piece has come. Here are 10 examples of some of the most dramatic transformations we’ve seen at our studio.
Sculpture Conservation Examples
This marble sculpture had multiple coatings of paint that created thick layers. The layers of paint were applied in an attempt to hide previously repaired areas of the sculpture but had started to flake over time. After much cleaning, the beauty was unveiled underneath.
Before: marble sculpture with multiple layers of flaking paint
After: marble sculpture after conservation treatment
On display outside of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C., this monument had experienced weathering that resulted in its dark brown appearance changing to a light green. Dirt and algae had accumulated on the stone surfaces as well. With a little cleaning and wax treatments, the monument is back in optimal condition.
Before: bronze sculpture with patination damage
After: bronze sculpture after re-patination treatment
3) Spartan Youth Bronze Sculpture
Abrasive cleanings caused the bright bronze substrate to be exposed, resulting in needing patination treatment. Two cold wax applications followed the patina treatments and the sculpture was buffed to finish.
Before: bronze sculpture with patination damage
After: bronze sculpture after conservation treatment
Vehicle Conservation Examples
4) Abbot & Downing Stagecoach Conservation
This revolutionary stagecoach is one of only a handful in existence. Layers of darkened varnishes were removed to bring the stagecoach back to life.
Before: stagecoach with layers of varnish
After: stagecoach with varnish layers removed and areas of loss reproduced
There was much to be done to conserve this historic chaise for long-term storage. Cleaning, textile conservation, replicating missing components, and more. The transformation is quite incredible.
Before: chaise before conservation treatment
After: chaise after conservation treatment
Originally owned by Thomas Edison, this Detroit Electric is on display at the Thomas Edison National Historic Park at the Glenmont Estate. Fenders, lamps, battery hoods and more were removed for vehicle conservation before the car was put back together, looking much better than before.
Before: detroit electric in poor condition
After: detroit electric in stable condition after conservation treatment
Military Artifact Examples
Cracked and deteriorating wood was a major problem for this artifact. The metal also needed intensive conservation cleaning. After complicated molds were taken for the repair areas, a piece was created to fill the area of loss.
Before: coehorn mortar with damaged base
After: coehorn mortar after military artifact conservation treatment
This military artifact was developed in the 1960s and was approved for production in 1970 with the first battalion activated in 1972. A custom cradle was designed to carry and hold the missile during conservation treatment. New paint and stenciling finished off the transformation,
Before: military missile with weather damage
After: military missile after conservation treatment
Before attempting to repair the rips and tears of this bomber jacket, the surface was cleaned properly with special solutions. Areas of missing leather were filled and repaired. A mount was created for display. Looking at the after photo, it is amazing there was so much damage to the sleeve!
Before: flight jacket with ripped sleeve before conservation treatment
After: flight jacket after textile conservation treatment to sleeve
Furniture Conservation Example
10) Meier Clock
An unfortunate act of vandalism created much damage to this intricate Meier Clock. A broken clock face was one major area of repair. This clock conservation project was certainly an undertaking but resulted in looking like new.
Before: clock suffered from damage caused by vandalism
After: clock was restored to exhibition condition after conservation treatment
Want to see more? You may also be interested in watching this video where we were featured on the TV show World’s Greatest! The clip shows some of our recent work and you’ll get to meet some of our staff.
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B.R. Howard is a leader in conservation treatment, maintenance, and assessment. We have extensive experience with sculptures, military artifacts, art collections, and historic vehicles. We'd be happy to be involved with your next conservation project. Contact us to get started.