Conservation treatments in progress often lead to an impromptu array of things organized neatly. The

Conservation treatments in progress often lead to an impromptu array of things organized neatly. The assemblage at the top of the page features the back of Jane Peterson’s Fishing Boats, Glouster, and the tools required to repair damages to the canvas.This oil painting on canvas experienced severe water damage before it came into the museum collection, which caused the canvas to distort and tear, especially along the edges. To gain access to the edges for treatment, the canvas had to be removed from its wooden stretcher (pictured above, lower left) by removing the canvas tacks one by one (pictured above, lower right). Both the tacks and the stretcher are safely stowed in the lab until the treatment of the canvas is complete.In the top image, the tools in use on top of the canvas include: both lightly dampened and dry blotter paper to relax the canvas fibers, plexiglas rectangles for a flat support, and round sand-filled weights to help reduce ripples of distorted canvas by applying gentle pressure. Tools on the side include: a water mister for dampening blotter, mini-weights and extra blotter, gloves, magnifying glasses, a notepad for documentation, and a variety of spatulas, tweezers, and brushes for manipulating canvas fibers back into their original position.The treatment of the canvas distortions caused by water damage is just the first of several major treatment steps; the next steps include stabilizing the torn canvas and returning it to the stretcher, and aesthetic treatment of the painted surface. Check back in the weeks ahead to see more as this lovely Impressionist artwork is prepared for loan to a traveling exhibition.Posted by Jessica Ford  -- source link

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