Painting Conservation


A great work of art has certain timeless elements --the genius that creates it, the themes it expresses, the reactions it inspires. But the work itself isn’t timeless at all. It is an assemblage of physical components that are highly vulnerable to time and catastrophe. With age, a painting can darken, varnish can yellow, and dirt can accumulate. Water exposure, whether it is high humidity over a period of time, or a sudden flood, can loosen the bond between paint and canvas, causing the paint to lift and fall away. Smoke leaves layers of soot on a painting, which flattens the perception of the image and diminishes the dimensional quality of the forms. Air pollution can also threaten the longevity of a painting. And there is the most prevalent damage of all -- human negligence in handling, storage, display, and even restoration. See also Types of Damage. Fortunately, most paintings, even those that appear to be ruined, can be restored. But the process requires experienced, well-trained conservators who understand the subtle balance between chemistry and art. At Parma Conservation, conservators use state-of-the-art materials, traditional European techniques enhanced by modern updates, and meticulous craftsmanship. Parma is familiar with the challenges of 500-year-old frescoes slowly degraded by time, as well as 30-year-old painting marred by accident. Every conservation project at Parma involves a unique combination of knowledge, experience and craftsmanship.



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	Parma Conservation, located in Chicago, is one of the country's leading resources for the conservation of paintings and murals.








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