Babble On. | Login
Overall, WACC's process of conserving the "United Nations" drawing took more than 100 hours of work. Here is the conservator's timeline, in full:
• Document condition with digital photography
• Clean the surface with soft brushes
• Remove staples from the perimeter and lift mounted artwork from its plywood base
• Separate lined drawing from the paperboard backing
• Place drawing facedown on glassine paper and remove residue from the paperboard
• Reduce adhesive residues by using organic solvents and poultices as possible
• Humidify the paper in a Gore-Tex chamber and use an aqueous (H2O) solution to reduce discoloration and lift stains
• Line the work overall with Japanese paper and wheat starch
• Stretch to dry
• Wrap the excess around the new paper faced aluminum panel that will support the drawing over all
• Fill in any loss with charcoal
• Photograph finished work
• Frame the conserved drawing
The drawing (and process) are currently on view at Norman Rockwell Museum.
--
Photo courtesy of Williamstown Art Conservation Center. All rights reserved.
Channels: American ArtConservationIllustrationPaper
Artists: Norman Rockwell
Themes: Materials and ProcessObjects
This video was created for Norman Rockwell Museum's new exhibition "Conserving Norman Rockwell's 'United Nations,'" which examines the process of restoring one of Rockwell's important charcoal studies. Leslie Paisley, Conservator of Paper Department Head at Williamstown Art Conservation Center, takes viewers through the process of treating a fragile work on paper through such means as aqueous water technique-- viewers, don't try this at home!
The exhibition "Conserving Norman Rockwell's 'United Nations'" explore the intricacies of art conservation, from initial evaluation to complete restoration. A step-by-step investigation to the Williamstown Art Conservation Centers methods of conserving Norman Rockwells large-scale symbolic portrayal of the United Nations and the peoples of the world will offer insights into a rarely seen but essential preservation process. On view starting May 2, 2009.
Video produced by Jeremy Clowe. ©2009 Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
Thank you for your very descriptive video...I have had to restore several of my works which had rubber cement as an adhesive with a cardboard back (was done in the 60's)your process verifies what I was trying to do.
I had trouble with yellow discolouration and used ether, alternately with acetone but have concerns about future discolouration. Any suggestions?
Also am not sure how you re-line a work on paper and canvas. I have several large drawings on newsprint which are quite fragile and a few paintings with fragile areas.
Thanks again it was fun to see your process and the integrity of your work<>Dianne Bigelow
Hi Rita,
Thanks for your kind words regarding the video- it was fun to put together.
As far as purchasing original Rockwell lithographs, I would try contacting the Norman Rockwell Museum store: 413.298.4100, ext 224- they sell original artist proofs, which might interest you; they could also direct you to other authentic sources. Best, NRM
how can i learn more about purchasing a real norman lithograph, vs. a fake one? my husband loves norman rockwell work, but we were fooled before paying as much as $1,500 for "the boy 0on stilts" . we were told it was an original lithograph, and learned it was a fake reproduction, thank you, Rita Woidislawsky I ENJOYED THE VIDEO
Post new comment