Antique Trader
Visit our collection of articles that have been published in Antique Trader
www.antiquetrader.com
For more than 60 years Antique Trader has been inspiring, informing and entertaining the collecting community with timely news coverage, lively collector profiles and in-depth articles on topics as varied and as broad as the big, bold, beautiful antiques world. Published 24 times a year and offering a weekly digital newsletter, Antique Trader provides expert insight, historical perspective, values and incomparable content, all designed to guarantee a robust and rewarding experience.
To Preserve and Protect
April Hann Lanford is the Principal of Artifact, a Chicago firm specializing in the preservation and protection of works of art and historical artifacts. Her story is one of curiosity and passion.
The American singer Tony Bennett is quoted as saying, “If you follow your passion, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Ever the enthusiast about antiques and history, I find myself active in a career that doesn’t feel like work but rather, feels like an adventure.
Read more…
Eye of the Storm
Professional advice on how to keep your collection safe before and after all hell breaks loose.
It is hard to believe, but this year marks the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in our country’s history, causing more than $125 billion in damage, as well as one of the five deadliest. More than 1,800 people died in the hurricane and the subsequent floods.
Hurricanes and heavy storms can bring an onslaught of rain, which can result in flooding, loss of power and structural damage. Exposure to water, elevated levels of humidity and mold can be disastrous to collections of antiques, fine art and family heirlooms.
Solving Provenance Mystery
The history of a piece is critical in understanding its personal story and value. Here’s how you can be the detective of your own collection
The word provenance is derived from the French term provenir, meaning “to come from.” When a collector considers purchasing a work of art, the subject of the work’s provenance is often brought up. When the term is used in fine art, or antiques, it refers to the history of the ownership of a particular piece—the piece’s personal story.
Fire Protect Your Collectibles
What to do if your valuable collectibles are threatened by fire.
This year has brought on elevated temperatures and created an environment susceptible to wildfires. Fires have devastated California and Colorado and are currently forecasted to worsen.
I have assisted in the evacuation and recovery of fire-damaged collections over the past fifteen years. If you need to evacuate and need to leave your collection behind, here are a few recommendations to help protect your pieces, and assist with potential recovery in the future:
Collection Care Articles
Our collection of educational articles provide an introduction to many topics about the preservation and conservation of fine art, antiques and fine furniture.
Topics are often written as a result of questions provided by our clients.
Click Here to Review Helpful Information about Archival Storage, Guidance on Dusting and Cleaning of Specialty Glass and Acrylic, and General Collection Care.
FrAMING Articles
There is a lot that goes into the design and fabrication of an archival custom frame. Whether a minimal TIG welded aluminum frame, acrylic vitrine, or a custom carved wood, 22k gilded antique revival frame, each design can have a variety of approaches and materials.
Topics are written top help familiarize our clients with the materials and techiniques that are recommended for fine framing.
Click Here to Review Helpful Information about Finished Corner Frames, Gilding, Welded Frames, Specialty Glass and Acrylic, Archival and Museum Quality Framing.
Emergency Care Articles
Our emergency care articles are a helpful introduction on how to prevent damage through preventative measuresfor art and antique collections. When a disaster strikes, prompt response and taking the right steps can mitigate further damage.
Topics are based on twenty years of firsthand experience of handling a variety of fine art, framing and antique losses.
Click Here to Review Helpful Information about Prevention and Recovery Efforts for Fire Damage, Water Damage, and General Collection Care.
Glossary
Click here to visit our glossary to learn about the terms that are frequently used in the fine art, conservation, fine framing industries.
We are available to assist you
At Our Studios
Clients are welcome to make an appointment to drop off items at one of our studio locations for an estimate.
Upon completion of the assessment, we will follow up with a written condition report and treatment proposal for your approval.
Custom framing appointments can also be made at any of locations.
To schedule an appointment please feel welcome to email, call, or submit an inquiry via through our form at the bottom of the page.
Online
We also welcome inquiries through email.
If you have questions about a general treatment or need an approximate cost for a project, you can send images and information about your piece. When possible please include the following information:
Title, Artist, Medium, and Size
Condition Observations and Concerns
Images of the front and back, with any details.
We will call you to follow up and gather any further pertinent information.
Onsite
Clients are welcome to make an appointment to drop off items at one of our studio locations for an estimate.
Upon completion of the assessment, we will follow up with a written condition report and treatment proposal for your approval.
Custom framing appointments can also be made at any of locations.
To schedule an appointment please feel welcome to email, call, or submit an inquiry via through our form at the bottom of the page.
Contact us today for an appointment
Online or Onsite
At Our Studios
Main Location
840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: Closed
Complimentary parking is available in the loading zone in front of the building
Additional Locations
Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lincoln Park • Arlington Heights
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