Art of Restoration
As part of The Louvre Art Gallery of Grass Valley, Ca
Restoration & Conservation Services for Oil Paintings, Acrylics, Prints and Photographs
Serving Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Roseville, Sacramento and across the US
Fequently Asked Questions...
Art restoration is related to art conservation. Restoration is a process that attempts to return the work of art to some previous state that the restorer imagines was the "original". This was commonly done in the past. However, in the late 20th century a separate concept of conservation was developed that is more concerned with preserving the work of art for the future, and less with making it look pristine.
How much does restoration cost?
The cost of restoration is determined strictly on the extent of the damage and the work that is necessary to complete the repair. While it is impossible to put a price on sentiment, please be aware that the cost of a professional restoration can far exceed the actual monetary value of the piece. Only you, the client, can justify if the piece warrants the investment. Remember, restoration can save the life of a broken item, thus preserving the legacy, history and memories that go along with it. Of course, having an item restored is a monetary investment but a well-cared-for restoration can last many, many years making a one-time monetary investment worthwhile.
Q: How do I know what CACC has done to my object?
A: Documentation is a crucial part of any conservation treatment. Every treatment includes reports detailing the condition of an object before and after conservation, as well as before and after photographic documentation. The reports, including full resolution RAW and TIFF images, are given to the client in both digital and printed document formats at the completion of treatment.
Q: What if something happens when it is with you?
A:
What is the difference between Restoration and Conservation?
In basic terms, conservation is preserving and stabilizing a work of art in its current condition. Conservation of artwork involves examination, scientific analysis and research to determine original structure, materials and the extent of loss. Art restoration's objective is to return artwork to its original state or form. To restore an object is to reconstruct its aesthetic appearance. It is not necessary to restore an art object in order to conserve it.
How do I know if my art or heirloom is worth restoring?
We suggest that every client know the value of their artwork so they can make an informed decision regarding their restoration investment. Sources for determining value include price guidebooks, auction catalogs, internet searches and accredited appraisers. Many times the value of an item brought to us for restoration is purely sentimental.
What can be done if my art has previous restoration or is missing pieces?
Many items we restore have pieces missing or poor previous repairs. In the case of previous repairs, we reverse them so that we can begin our restoration from what is left of the original. When pieces are missing we fabricate the loss whether it is to a painting, frame or figurine. All losses are constructed from reversible synthetic materials
What is the safest way to get my artwork to you for an estimate?
The "safest" way is to hand carry the item to our studio. Since this is not always possible, we suggest the following packing instructions:
To keep the object clean and to avoid any additional damage, we recommend that it be wrapped in tissue and bubble wrap.
Individual broken components should be wrapped and suspended, not touching each other, in a sturdy cardboard carton cushioned with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or newsprint. That box should be suspended in a second carton, surrounded by suitable packing material.
Include in the box your name, address, phone number and email address with a note describing the damage and what you hope we can do for you.
Adequately insure the item with the carrier against damage or loss.
We ship and receive UPS and Fedex daily, but other carriers may be used as well.
Paintings need to be safeguarded from moisture and punctures; therefore, we recommend they be wrapped in glassine paper or polyethylene film and then packed in a wooden or puncture-resistant crate. If you call or write us with dimensions of your painting we can build a crate and send it to you for a fee.
Contact UPS
Contact FedEX
