Why Undertake Painting Conservation?

A popular adage claims that if something is unbroken, it should not be fixed. This arguably applies to art more than any other discipline. One of the great appeals of art is debating ta creator's intent; pondering if what is considered an imperfection to a 21st Century eye were deliberate commentaries of the time. If you hold such beliefs, painting conservation in London and elsewhere is unlikely to appeal to you. We advise anybody to reconsider such an aversion.

We should be clear about something – repairing prominent damage to a canvas or frame is not the same as painting conservation. London is home to some of the most celebrated and striking art collections in the world, whether open to public viewing or locked safely behind closed doors. It would be a crime for damage to these works to remain unrepaired, endangering their very existence. With this in mind, we recommend conservation to reduce this risk.

Classic and contemporary art conservation in London should be considered just as critical and restricting, reframing and recolouring the works of the great masters. Indeed, this conversation brings about an interesting paradox. Some art enthusiasts consider panting conservation to be tampering with work – but should the ravages of age or the elements take their toll, leading to the necessity of replenishing and repairing a great piece of art, this surely involves making moreadjustments?

Of course, such concerns would hold no water in an ideal world. In particular, contemporary art conservation in London can resemble an expensive folly on paper. Why should modern masterworks, hosted in a city famed for its passion for the arts, require any such protection? The truth is, art of any age can fall foul to damage and environmental impact. Small steps toward conservation will reduce any potential impact.

Collectors will be acutely aware of the fundamental elements required for painting conservation in London. London galleries are plentiful, and all will offer the same advice – storing art in temperature-appropriate areas, with limited light, dry air, and a wholesale absence of smoke and other damaging carcinogens.

Allowing a professional conservator to assess a work of art will reveal any potential problems before they arise, though. Think of this as taking an expensive sports car for a full service with a leading mechanic. Any work completed to keep the art in tip-top condition will be considerably less intrusive – and much more cost-effective – than seeking out an urgent repair.