Heirloom Photo & Frame Restoration

This turn of the century photograph of Grandmother when she was a child required a massive structural repair resulting from an errant ball thrown in the living room during horseplay 30 years ago; additional damage was incurred when the family cat's wet tail brushed across the picture as it lay prone during wall painting operations. Inquiries to a nationally known art museum for assistance in locating a qualified restoration artist provided no results.

Upon introduction to the family, Martin repaired the roma tomato-sized hole in Grandmother’s hairdo by incorporating the bent flaps back into a filler/mesh laminate, followed by airbrushing Grandmother’s bangs back in by taking cues from her undamaged hair. Then all the coarse watermarks were airbrushed out and the delicate striped linen pattern of Grandmother’s blouse was reestablished. The entire photograph was then airbrushed to eliminate visual polarity issues incurred behind conservation glass.

Heirloom photo restoration includes a number of factors including the restoration of the frame that has accompanied the picture through its lifetime. Like old friends, both must go through reasonable changes simultaneously to remain compatible. Grandmother’s picture frame was structurally reinforced followed by cosmetic repair by paint, gold powders and gilder’s wax.

With another satisfied customer, the household’s involvement in real estate, historical preservation societies and university affairs bring new opportunities to refer Martin for further business.