Objects

The Art of Accessories: A hand-braided hairwork necklace

The Art of Accessories: A hand-braided hairwork necklace

This hairwork necklace is circa 1845 and is part of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts collection in Little Rock, Arkansas. Constructed of braided hair and gold, it arrived at The Center displayed on a fabric-lined mount. The metal components exhibited minimal grime and oxidation, with solder marks on the two clasps that hold the chained cross at the top and the proper right end of the cross. Tears and fraying hair were noted on fourteen braided orbs; the damage varied, including missing material and deformations. The gold cap on the bottom of the cross was also missing. But, the focus of this treatment would be the hairwork beads and cross.

Talking about Revolution: Treating a 1740 War Drum

Talking about Revolution: Treating a 1740 War Drum

The power of the drum is rooted in its ability to send messages. With the constant tempo of warriors' feet beating on the ground, it summons allies and beats back enemies with the same force. It can be used as an instrument of war or peace, a companion to dance and celebration. During the Revolutionary War, the drum played a vital role in conveying messages, persuading troops to fight, and boosting morale.

Far from Common: The Commonplace Book of Louis de Marillac

Far from Common: The Commonplace Book of Louis de Marillac

Each commonplace book is unique. They are collections of notes, proverbs, ideas, adages, poems, prayers, recipes, and facts. Commonplace books were created to document knowledge from other sources that were important or useful to the reader. The Commonplace Book of Louis de Marillac is part of the Vincentian Studies Collection of DePaul Univerisity, Chicago. Louis de Marillac (1556-1604) was a member of the French aristocracy and the legal guardian of St. Louise de Marillac, who cofounded the Daughters of Charity with St. Vincent DePaul.

Tick Tock! The before and afters of an Intricate 1790s English Clock

Tick Tock! The before and afters of an Intricate 1790s English Clock

Still in its crate, the beauty and intricacy of this 18th-century clock are unmistakable. The clock's many components, from the clockworks to the music box mechanics, the woodworking, and delicately painted metal panels, showcase the craftsman that brought this piece to life in late 18th century England. And now, in the 21st century, a new team of skilled professionals came together to restore this clock's original integrity.

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Preparing for Display: Conserving Treasures for the Snite Museum at the University of Notre Dame, Madonna and Child with Saints

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Preparing for Display: Conserving Treasures for the Snite Museum at the University of Notre Dame, Madonna and Child with Saints

As construction continues on the University of Notre Dame's new art museum, the conservation of select paintings from the Snite Museum of Art continues in The Center's laboratory. Scheduled for completion in late-2023, the new Raclin Murphy Museum of Art will increase the University's capacity to display its art collection and accept programs that the current facility, the Snite Museum of Art, cannot because of size restrictions. The Painting Conservation Department and Custom Framing and Fabrications departments recently completed treatment of the 15-century painting Madonna and Child with Saints.

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The Care of Custom Framing: Showcasing the Relics from Loyola University Chicago

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The Care of Custom Framing: Showcasing the Relics from Loyola University Chicago

Conservation is often only half of the treatment plan for many items at The Center. After conservation is complete, our Custom Framing and Fabrication Department is continually called upon to design and construct one-of-a-kind display options for unusual objects.

Bamileke Beaded Throne

Bamileke Beaded Throne

Carved wood, fabric wrapped and covered in thousands of meticulously placed seed beads, this chair's owner had one goal when she contacted The Center: "I wanted to make sure it was in its best condition!!" The owner, Lori, inherited the chair from her mother. It was in her mother's gallery in Palm Beach for many years and later was in her home. Before this, the chair's history is unknown; however, the construction and design are consistent with 20th-century Bamileke beaded art.

Five Relics from Loyola University Chicago

Five Relics from Loyola University Chicago

“Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University Chicago received the donation of five relics from the Kerwin daughters whose parents Mary and Charles C. Kerwin have a long association with Loyola University and the Archdiocese of Chicago. The relics are from Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Saint Clare of Assisi, and a piece of the True Cross of Christ. These items are special connections for the faithful of our community and serves as reminders of heroic people for whom we can model our lives on. The Kerwin daughters were extremely generous in that their donation included the conservation of the relics so that they can be viewed and prayed with by our community.”

A Sword with Family Lore

A Sword with Family Lore

The Allen family lore tells a plausible, if improbable, tale; the antique sword is an heirloom that has been carried by one generation to the next going all the way back to its original owner - Ethan Allen. Specifically, the founder of Vermont, Revolutionary War patriot, and politician Ethan Allen, who lived from 1737-1789.

Handiwork and a Hungarian Wall Clock

Handiwork and a Hungarian Wall Clock

Conservation is a way to help beloved objects stand the tests of time. But sometimes time needs a little help, too- timepieces that is. Here at The Conservation Center, we recently conserved an antique wall clock that dates from the mid to late 19th century.

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Through The Eyes of Lincoln: A Very Special Pair of Opera Glasses

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Through The Eyes of Lincoln: A Very Special Pair of Opera Glasses

Located in the Land of Lincoln, The Conservation Center sees its fair share of memorabilia connected to the 16th President of the United States. Among various Lincoln memorabilia, in 2014 we had the honor of restoring the courting couch, the sofa on which a young Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd actually sat throughout their courtship in the home of Mary’s sister, Elizabeth. So when a Lincoln relic causes our conservators to stop in awe, rest assured it is a truly special item.

The Glessner House Piece

The Glessner House Piece

Last month we had the pleasure of hosting a private tour of our conservation laboratory and warehouse in collaboration with the Glessner House Museum. The museum previously brought us a ceramic piece from their collection that had shattered. When the tour came through in the first week of the month, the group was fortunately able to see the piece mid-treatment.

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