Blog
Displaying History: A Custom Mount for an 1893 Columbian Exposition Guard’s Sword
To safely display a sword worn by the guards of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Artifact Services designed a custom black powder-coated steel stand with fitted brackets and a concealed magnet — supporting the sword securely and reversibly, without any permanent alteration.
Restoring a 1920s Engraved Architectural Mirror Through Resilvering
Linen Backing a Rare Wizard of Oz Poster from the 1970s Australian Re-Release
A Custom Display Mount for a Champagne Saber
Conservation of a Victorian Taxidermy Aviary Shadowbox
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.
Treatment of The Prodigal Son Tending the Swine
Charles Prendergast was a renowned frame-maker at the turn of the century. This heirloom albumen print arrived at our studio for framing. We selected this 3/4″ width, Charles Prendergast-inspired frame. The two-tone 22k and 12k white gold leaf with inscribed flower blossoms at each corner provided visual interest without overwhelming the portrait. With the details of the floral design and the implementation of two different karats of gold leaf, this frame honors the vision of Prendergast by “bringing out the fine points of a good picture”.
Museum Quality Framing of Guitare et partition sur guéridon, by Pablo Picasso
Charles Prendergast was a renowned frame-maker at the turn of the century. This heirloom albumen print arrived at our studio for framing. We selected this 3/4″ width, Charles Prendergast-inspired frame. The two-tone 22k and 12k white gold leaf with inscribed flower blossoms at each corner provided visual interest without overwhelming the portrait. With the details of the floral design and the implementation of two different karats of gold leaf, this frame honors the vision of Prendergast by “bringing out the fine points of a good picture”.
Supporting the Past: A Custom Museum Mount for a Pre-Columbian Sculpture
Art Deco Framing for a 1920s Gelatin Silver Print
A handcrafted Art Deco frame, water-gilded in 12k white gold over dark green bole with an incised deco band pattern, archivally houses a 1920s gelatin silver print portrait behind Museum Glass® for lasting protection and clarity.
Paper Conservation and Water Damage Treatment: The Yucca by Wallace DeWolf
A water-damaged etching by Chicago artist Wallace DeWolf arrived at our studio disfigured by staining and decades of acidic storage. Through careful paper conservation treatment, we reduced the discoloration and restored the sheet’s structural integrity for safe display and long-term storage.
We are available to assist you
Main Location
840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642
Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sun: Closed
Complimentary parking is available in the loading zone in front of the building
We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.
Additional Locations
Schiller Park • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lincoln Park • Nashville, TN
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