Aqueous

This antique mantel clock was recovered from a residential fire. The clock was manfactured in the United states by the Ansonia Clock Company in the early 20th century. The Ansonia clock company was in business from 1851-1929. This prized family heirloom had been in the family for almost 120 years. The clock sustained exposure from soot as well as moisture. The delicate porcelain case was carefully cleaned using a combination of aqueous and dry methods. Great care was taken to preserve the hand painted floral design as well as the gilt detail throughout.

The hanging hardware failed on this gilded age frame, causing it to fall to the floor.  The impact resulted in several areas of damaged and missing ornamentation. The frame was cleaned using a combination of aqueous and dry methods.   The lifting areas of finish and damaged areas of ornamentation weere consolidated using an archival adhesive.  The ornamentation loss were infilled, cast and selectively carved.

This 19th century frame arrived to us with several areas of loss and discolored overpaint. The remaining compo ornamentation was very unstable throughout. The owner was able to save most of the fragments in a small bag for us to use during treatment.

A great before and after example of a recent painting treatment. Through surface cleaning and minor conservation intervention, the painting now represents the artist’s original intention and is now back on display.