Preserving a Piece of Chicago History
Our conservators love to work on pieces that showcase our city’s extraordinary history. It was a treat for our Paper Department to work on a series of twentieth century membership photographs from the Chicago chapter of the Scottish Rite. The photographs were taken and developed by the Gibson, Sykes & Fowler studio, one of the Chicago’s earliest photography studios that opened as early as 1860.
An Early Marisol Work, Renewed
As art enthusiasts, the staff here at The Center are always eager to witness the transformation of the pieces that enter our care. This month we were captivated by the recent results of a particular piece by Marisol Escobar. Made in 1954 as a gift to her studio mate, Richard Buzzle, Marisol created this stained wooden box out of an old butter crate, then added two stepped doors; this created a shape that is reminiscent of a religious altarpiece. Inside, she sculpted a nativity scene with numerous clay figures, and adorned the doors with metal star cutouts.
A Gem of the Shedd
Our home base in Chicago has many cultural jems, and The Conservation Center has recently had the privilege of working with one of them- the beautiful Shedd Aquarium. Working closely with us throughout the conservation process, the Shedd Aquarium sent us a work that does not depict one of their thousands of species of fish, as you might have guessed, but rather a portrait of their generous patron and founder, John Graves Shedd.
Clementine Hunter: Pecan Pickin'
Louisiana’s most famous female artist, Clementine Hunter, didn’t start creating art until around the age of 50. Born just a few decades after the Civil War, Hunter lived most of her life on the Hidden Hill and Melrose cotton plantation where she worked as a field laborer and domestic worker, respectively. It wasn’t until the mid-1940’s when a visitor of the plantation left behind art supplies that Hunter began to create the art she is known for today.
Handiwork and a Hungarian Wall Clock
Cleaning a Crazy Quilt
Crazy quilts – a textile trend in the late 1800s – are often anything but crazy. These one-of-a-kind treasures are intentional statements, consisting of irregular shapes, intricate embroidery, and a myriad of fabrics. When a crazy quilt from 1890 was brought to The Center for treatment, our Textile Conservator was thrilled to work on such a unique piece.
Bringing a Family Bible Back to Life
We’re always honored to help preserve family heirlooms, and this treasured family Bible was a joy to watch transform. Our Rare Books Department has handled many Bibles in the past, and one of the most intriguing parts is learning about their histories.
Revitalizing Historic Silver Gelatin Portraits
Protecting "Poppet"
“Poppet” has two definitions: either as an informal British term for an endearingly sweet young girl, or a small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft. While the portrait Poppet from the Fischer Governor Foundation must refer to the former, she certainly cast a spell on us as she underwent treatment in our Painting Department.
"Portrait of a Young Lady" Gets Patched Up
Preserving a Mysterious Portrait
When this darkened painting came to The Center for treatment, we knew we were working with a special piece of history. The subject of this portrait is an unidentified woman dating back to 1860, a time when only those of high status could afford to have oil portraits done of themselves. This piece of information gives little insight into who this woman was and the life she lived.
Water Gilding a Pissarro Frame
An Autographed Piece of History
The West Foundation, which awards grants to the arts and to humanitarian, cultural, and civic organizations centered in the Lakeshore, Wisconsin area, is no stranger to treasures – (read about their stunning Lester W. Bentley mural) but when this autograph book was brought to The Center for treatment, we knew it was something truly special.
Preserving Peaches
Our Painting Department sees several common issues frequently in the pieces they treat: discoloration, surface grime, tears in the canvas — but every now and then, a completely unique challenge is presented. Recently, a piece brought to us by local Chicago business Nick’s Beer Garden ( 1516 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL) gave us just that.
Do You Need a Receipt?
We certainly hope whoever originally owned this receipt didn't need to make a return. This piece was found buried within the wall of a recent client’s house during a remodel, maybe stuffed into the walls by accident, or some sort of practical joke from the past. As our Paper Department worked on this 19th-century puzzle, a dramatic transformation began to take place.
Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration
Kerry James Marshall's "Vogue" Cover
Vogue's September issue has always been important in the fashion world: packed with editorial shoots and advertisements, the September issue signifies what's seen as the biggest moment of the year for the industry. In a historically unusual move for the magazine, two artists were chosen to create the covers for this year's September issue: Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel. Marshall, widely considered one of the greatest living artists, chose to paint a fictional character in a formal white evening dress by Off-White. Self-possessed and unflinching, the portrait is stunning – and we were honored to frame it for Marshall here at The Conservation Center.
A Trip to Trouville
As winter looms over our heads, we find ourselves enjoying the last few days of nice weather near our beautiful lakefront- much like the figures in French painter Félix Buhot's painting Jetty at Trouville, 1884. This piece, depicting a serene day along the coast of France, recently underwent a magnificent transformation in our Painting Department.
