Articles — The Conservation Center

Reviving the World of Tarzan: The Conservation of Two Iconic Paintings 

Reviving the World of Tarzan: The Conservation of Two Iconic Paintings 

Edgar Rice Burroughs (American, 1875 – 1950) remains one of the most influential American authors of the early 20th century, best known for creating the iconic character Tarzan and for his contributions to the adventure, fantasy, and science fiction genres. His stories—filled with thrilling escapades, larger-than-life heroes, and vivid imaginary worlds—captured the imaginations of readers and continue to shape modern storytelling. 

At The Conservation Center, we recently had the privilege of working on two remarkable paintings from The Vinson Collection: The Golden Lion and The Warlords of Mars. The collection is a comprehensive archive of materials related to Burroughs and is dedicated to preserving the author’s literary and artistic legacy. Founded by Stanleigh B. Vinson in the 1940s, it is the most significant collection of Burroughs’ works and memorabilia outside of Burroughs estate. The paintings themselves represent key moments from Burroughs’ tales and stand as vital pieces of this carefully curated collection. 

The Timeless Works of Martyl Langsdorf at the Schaumburg Library

The Timeless Works of Martyl Langsdorf at the Schaumburg Library

The Schaumburg Library, serving the communities of Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, and Streamwood, is more than just a place for books—it’s a hub for art, culture, and history. The library welcomes over 1 million visitors annually across its three branches, offering access not only to literary resources but to remarkable works of art. Among these treasures are several pieces by Martyl Suzanne Schweig Langsdorf (American, 1917-2013), a Chicago-based artist whose work has had a profound impact on the worlds of both art and science. When several of Martyl’s pieces came to The Conservation Center from the Schaumburg Library for treatment, we were honored to help preserve these important works.

(Alex) Katz and Dogs 

(Alex) Katz and Dogs 

Alex Katz (American, b. 1920) is renowned for his vibrant visual language, which blends realism and abstraction, with a strong emphasis on form and color. With more than 200 solo exhibitions and international acclaim, Katz has made a significant mark on the art world. While he is celebrated primarily for his paintings, Katz has also made important contributions to printmaking and drawing, where his signature style is executed with precision and fluidity. 

Recently, we had the pleasure of treating The Dog, a captivating aquatint of a French bulldog sitting attentively, brought to us by a client who was carefully reviewing his collection and noticed it needed some care. Katz’s love for dogs is a recurring theme in his work, capturing their personality and presence with the same intimacy and clarity that he brings to his human subjects. 

Bumper to Bumper: Conserving a Kearney Giraffe

Bumper to Bumper: Conserving a Kearney Giraffe

It’s not often that the day to day of a conservators crosses over with that of a zookeeper, but when yet another whimsical animal sculpture by Chicago artist John Kearney (1924-2014) came through the doors of The Center, we were ready to take care of a giraffe! We have had lots of experience treating Kearney sculptures in the past, so when our client found this piece at an auction, Andrew Rigsby, associate conservator of furniture, was prepared for the challenge ahead.

Conserving Philippe Starck’s W.W. Stool: A Study in Iconic Design

Conserving Philippe Starck’s W.W. Stool: A Study in Iconic Design

Philippe Starck (French, b. 1949) is one of the most influential and innovative designers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with a diverse portfolio that spans everything from innovative toothbrushes to Olympic medals and luxury yachts. Recently, we had the opportunity to conserve an example of one of his most iconic pieces: the W.W. Stool, a design so significant that it graced the cover of Taschen’s 1991 monograph, Starck.

Conserving an American Landscape

Conserving an American Landscape

Thomas Birch (1779–1851) was an influential English-born American landscape painter known for his evocative depictions of natural scenery, particularly along the East Coast. We recently had the pleasure of treating an oil on panel by Birch here at The Conservation Center. The results of the treatment were dramatic, as our conservators brought a beautiful sky-scene back to life, casting light on the solemn burial ritual below. This scene is an excellent example of Birch’s mastery of depicting the natural world, with his keen eye for detail and vibrant use of color. 

Another Transformation for Cinderella

Another Transformation for Cinderella

When After the Ball, a painting depicting Cinderella’s hurried exit from the ball with a lost glass slipper left on the staircase, arrived at The Center, we knew it deserved a fairytale ending. Our client shared that it is the centerpiece of a “polyptych,” a series illustrating the entire story. These paintings were originally discovered by a family member in an antique market in Milan, where they were believed to be of French origin. Our conservators were eager to work their magic and restore this vital piece of Cinderella’s story.

Dreamscapes of the Midwest: The Magic of John Wilde

Dreamscapes of the Midwest: The Magic of John Wilde

Surrealism was explored in the Midwest as a dreamlike and domestic embrace of the subconscious. The Surrealist circles around Chicago considered realistic and psychic subject matter in a way that was both meticulous and deeply unsettling, blending the local with the fantastical. Though never a formal movement, the traditions of Midwestern surrealism and magical realism include the works of many notable artists, such as Gertrude Abercrombie, Julia Thecla, Harold Noecker, Ivan Albright, Dorothea Tanning, and John Wilde.

Harry Potter and the Art of Conservation

Harry Potter and the Art of Conservation

Released between 1997 and 2007, the Harry Potter series reshaped the landscape of children's literature, capturing the imaginations of readers around the world. Its themes of friendship, courage, and the eternal struggle between good and evil resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. When a client sent us their prized first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, we were thrilled to conserve such a magical treasure!

Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” World Series Game: Restoring a Scored Souvenir Program

Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” World Series Game: Restoring a Scored Souvenir Program

How in the world did a 39-year-old small town entrepreneur in downstate Illinois, in the depths of the Great Depression no less, get a ticket to what turned out to be one of the most famous games in all of sport?  Known as the Babe Ruth “Called Shot” World Series game, it featured the Chicago Cubs vs. the New York Yankees at Wrigley Field in Chicago on October 1, 1932.  In the 5th inning, Babe Ruth pointed to the outfield bleachers with his bat, then promptly hit a home run. 

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