Works on paper restoration

Works on paper with foxing

Foxing is the reddish-brown spots found on paper, it is similar to mould and will often spread over time. This usually occurs because the paper has been placed in a location with fluctuating humidity and temperatures. Foxing can be treated by paper conservators who will use techniques to reverse the damage and also help prevent it from recurring.

before restoration with foxing on watercolour of jungle scene

After restoration of foxing on watercolour of jungle scene

Before restoration of foxing on watercolour of Watermill

After restoration with foxing removed of Watermill

Before restoration of foxing on watercolour of hotel

After restoration on watercolour of hotel

Before restoration of foxing on a watercolour portrait

After restoration of foxing on a watercolour portrait

Before restoration of foxing on a garden scene watercolour

After restoration of watercolour garden scene

Before restoration of foxing on watercolour

After restoration of stained watercolour

Tear damaged works on paper

Torn or scratched works on paper can be restored and strengthened with specialist techniques. The paper can be expertly lined by our conservator on conservation-grade tissue, giving it stability.

zebra works on paper ripped after restoration

watercolour with tear before restoration

Before restoration on tear repair on lithograph

After restoration on tear repair on lithograph

Before restoration of tear repair on printed artwork

After restoration of tear repair on printed artwork

Mould damaged works on paper

Mould can form on paper easily, due to the porous nature of the surface. In humid or damp conditions, this is more likely to occur. Mould can be removed from the paper by our conservator, who will also use techniques to prevent it from recurring.

Stained works on paper

Our conservator can carefully wash a work on paper, using expert techniques to lift the foreign elements away from the surface of the original artwork or print.

stained artwork on paper before restoration

Sunlight damage and fading works on paper

UV rays will fade works on paper rapidly, it can also make the paper brittle. Whilst the stability of the paper can be resolved, a faded work on paper will need to be assessed by our conservator to see whether it is restorable.

Deterioration and flaking works on paper

Due to age or environment, works on paper can begin to disintegrate. This can be stabilised and prevented by our paper conservator.

Acid burn and discoloured works on paper

Acid burn occurs when the mount or surrounding frame of a piece is not made of conservation-grade, acid-free materials. Many elements in the mount or framing might have acidic elements, which over time will degrade the paper. This will be clearest around the edges of the piece, where there has been the most direct contact. This can be restored and stabilised.

Before restoration of staining on boat watercolour

After restoration of staining on boat watercolour

Works on paper with dirt and grime

Over time, grime can build up on any type of surface. This is often from the atmosphere, though can come more directly from smoke or nicotine. An affected work on paper can be carefully and expertly cleaned by our trained conservator.

stained map before and after restoration

Creased works on paper

Artworks on paper that have been creased or indented can be restored with specialist techniques. Our paper conservator can use a weight treatment to reverse any unsightly dents.

James Bond Dr No Poster before restoration

Cockling and rippling works on paper

Wrinkles and ripples on a paper artwork can also be restored with a specialist weight treatment by our trained conservator.

Damage from tapes and adhesives

Household tapes and adhesives are acidic in nature and can discolour the paper, whilst making it weaker. Our paper conservator can treat these areas with specialist techniques to stop further areas from degrading.

LEARN MORE

We have created a range of articles and videos to help you know more about the cleaning, repair and conservation of artwork.

I've been told my picture needs lining, what does that mean?

We always make sure our clients understand the recommendations we are making to them, however, if you have been told your painting requires lining or relining it means the addition of a second canvas to a weakened original, to provide reinforcement and stability to an artwork.
There's mould on my oil painting, can it be removed?

Yes, an oil painting that has been stored in a damp area, been subject to water damage or fluctuating temperatures can grow mould which can affect the surface of the painting and cause damage. Our team will treat the mould to stop it from spreading and then repair the damage caused.
The oil paint on my picture is cracking, flaking and falling off, can it be fixed?

Yes, first of all, avoid pressure or touching the surface, if possible keep the painting flat. Our conservators can consolidate the paint layer by applying localised adhesive with heat and pressure to secure the flaking paint layers. If required, we can fill missing areas and retouch to match the texture and colours of the painting.