Painting Conservation
Contact: (+61 3) 9348 5700
The Paintings Department is comprised of experienced conservators dedicated to the preservation and treatment of painted surfaces. These include paintings on canvas, wooden panel, metal or glass supports as well as wall murals and painted architectural surfaces.
The paintings conservation staff are experienced in treating a broad range of traditional and contemporary works by both Australian and international artists.
Before and after images of a painting in treatment at CCMC
Example of tear repair
Roll your mouse over the painting to see 'before and after' images of the treatment.
Click on the painting to see a larger version.
These images show a twentieth century Irish artwork that sustained a severe tear during an accident. The treatment involved re-joining loose threads through a delicate, time-consuming re-weaving process, performed under a microscope (known as a thread-by-thread re-weaving method); infilling the area where paint was lost; and inpainting the damage with conservation-grade materials. The result is an almost invisible repair.
The first image is the front of the canvas; the second is the verso (reverse).
Example of discolouration
Roll your mouse over the painting to see a larger detail of the discolouration on the painting.
Click on the painting to see a larger version.
A 19thC portrait of a mother and child during conservation treatment. Traditionally paintings were coated with a protective varnish layer. However, depositions of dust and the yellowing of the varnish causes discolouration of the painted image over time.
To organise an initial consultation that includes examination and treatment recommendations for your painting, please make an appointment with staff from the paintings department. Tel: (+61 3) 9348 5700