PROJECT Articles

Project Articles

A detail of the arched inset panels on the door of a 19th century wood wardrobe after refinishing and restoration.

The Revival of an Heirloom Antique Wardrobe

This 19th-century hall robe was brought in by our client, who wanted to preserve its charm and return it to its former grandeur.  Historically, standing wardrobes are part of the evolution from trunks to modern-day closets for the essential household function of holding linens.  Ranging from simplistic to opulently adorned, wardrobes can be full of craftsmanship and character.

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After treatment. The framed lithograph by Nathaniel Currier depicting 1848 Democratic Presidential Candidate Lewis Cass with an eagle perched upon a globe flanked by American flags directly above him surrounded by a border of oval portraits of the previous eleven American presidents after conservation treatment of the frame and the print. The antique frame appears to be original to the print.

Currier Before Ives

This lithograph of “The Presidents of the United States” published by Nathaniel Currier (American, 1813-1888) arrived at our studio in poor condition water staining,  discoloration, tears, and creasing. The glass on the accompanying frame was broken and the upper half missing, which left the sheet open to years of uneven exposure. The antique frame itself had several areas of veneer delamination and loss.

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Collection-Article

Restoration of a Prized Victrola

This prized 1908 Victrola model VV-XX phonograph arrived at our studio with a deteriorated finish delaminating veneer and extensive wear to the gilt ornamentation. This floor-standing model features an internal horn and has an unusually decorative cabinet with premium mahogany book-matched veneer on the doors as well as gilded, dimensional foliate scrollwork on the corners, sides, and feet.

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A division of Artmill Group Hand carved picture frames Custom picture framing Museum quality services Insurance claims support April Hann Lanford Appraisal Valuation Onsite repair Specialty contents Storm recovery and rescue Provenance care Water restoration art, antiques, furniture Art recovery Painting repair Paper conservation Furniture restoration Fine art doctor repair shop in chicago Gold leaf frames Finished corner Seamless by design Regency Fine art conservation Seaberg Armand Lee Gilding Museum framing Art collection support Frederics Baker Husar

The Recovery of a Thomas Hart Benton

This Thomas Hart Benton lithograph, “Cradling Wheat,” was published as an edition of 250 in 1939 by Associated American Artists. Benton was known for his harmonious compositions elevating everyday life and exploring the relationship of man and nature, but when nature took a turn for the worse this piece was put at risk of being lost to a flood.

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A detail of an artwork entitled Kite from An Infinite Expanse of Sky, 1997 by Jacob Hashimoto constructed of wood, string, acrylic and offset print with a design of white clouds against a blue sky

An Infinite Expanse of Sky, A Custom Mount for a Kite

By April Hann Lanford

We recently collaborated with our client to create a custom tabletop display for their piece:

Kite from An Infinite Expanse of Sky, 1997

By Jacob Hashimoto (American, b. 1973)

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A 19th century painting and gilt frame before conservation

The 21st Century Marriage of a 19th Century Painting and Frame

Our client arrived with this beautiful portrait and a 19th-century frame that they purchased from a store. At first glance it seemed to be the perfect match, however, the portrait width and height did not match the frame.

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Leonard Baskin lithograph on paper of a Native American entitled "Crazy Horse" before and after conservation

Conservation of Two Leonard Baskin Lithographs

Leonard Baskin (August 15, 1922 – June 3, 2000) was a prominent, award-winning artist of the mid-20th century. Spanning the mediums of sculpture, printmaking, illustration, and graphic design, and founding Gehenna Press (1942–2000), his work captures the human figure in commanding and despairing portrayals.

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Antique Louis Vuitton Tall Ladies Steamer Trunk Before Conservation Antique trunk restoration Chicago Conservation Chicago Provenance conservation Antique restoration Antique conservation Trunk repair Louis Vuitton Trunk repair Antique Water restoration Artifact services Chicago Artmill Group Armand Lee The Repair Shop Chicago Artifact services claim restoration Antique repair Fine art conservation Heirloom Restoration Art conservation services Water damage restoration April Hann Lanford

Conservation of a Turn-of-the-Century Louis Vuitton Trunk

By April Hann Lanford

The son of a carpenter, French designer Louis Vuitton Malletier started his career as an apprentice at a box-making and packing workshop at the age of thirteen. In 1854, Vuitton started his business from the ground up with his state-of-the-art steamer trunks. 

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A detail of a bow from a Vera Wang wedding gown displayed in a custom vitrine

A Custom Vitrine to Display a Vera Wang Wedding Gown

By April Hann Lanford

From the moment our client came to us with her elegant Vera Wang Hayley Wedding Gown and the desire to have it on display, we were in love with the idea.   The elaborate gown was far too strikingly elegant to be tucked away in an heirloom box in a closet. 

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Antique desk - An antique Louis XV Revival desk after restoration

Restoration of an Antique Louis XV Revival Desk

By April Hann Lanford

We had the privilege of restoring a Louis XV style desk and extending its legacy. This heirloom 18th-century style writing desk sustained years of use, and exposure from sunlight and climate fluctuation. While windows provide a great view and are an ideal spot to sit and work nearby; the sunlight can fade finishes, upholstery, and degrade wood.

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Detail of an original playbill for School for Scandal from 1797 before preservation framing

School for Scandal, The Preservation Framing of a 1797 Playbill

This original playbill for the May 29, 1797 performance of “School of Scandal” at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London is the prized heirloom of a client who reached out to Artifact about preservation and framing for her unique piece.  As fans of history and of the theater, the family cherished this playbill for over two generations.

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