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Conservation and Archival Custom Framing Services
With our talented team, we restore, conserve and provide custom picture framing and display services for fine art, frames, antiques, heirlooms, mirrors and fine furniture at our downtown studio in Chicago, Illinois.
Estimates are provided for client approval prior to proceeding. Contact us to learn more at info@artifactservices.com
The Recovery and Treatment of an Original WWI Liberty Bond Poster
This original WWI Liberty Bond poster sat rolled in water for three weeks, resulting in disfiguring water damage including severe discoloration, delamination from the mount and wrinkling throughout.
When works on paper, prints, drawings, lithographs, etchings, etc are damaged from a water or fire loss; it is important to consult a conservator.
Works on paper are more resilient than most would think.
The Treatment of a 19th c. Gilded English Frame
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.
Restoration of an Antique French Marriage Mirror
This early 20th c.XVI revival gilt marriage mirror was recovered by our team after a severe fire.
The 22 karat gilded frame not only needed cleaning, to remove the soot, the gilding needed to be selectively stabilized. Areas of loss were filled with gesso. The fills were leveled and prepared for watergilding. After the fills were gilded, they were patinated and aged. The original patination of the silvering in the mirror was preserved as well.
A Custom Vitrine for “Maquette for L.A. Rabbit Head” by Roger Brown
This mixed media maquette made by Roger Brown in 1992 in preparation for a lobby sculpture for Playboy. Roger Brown (1941-1997), was an American painter, and associated with the Chicago Imagists movement. The mount and vitrine were designed to provide a minimal backdrop for the bold maquette.
A streamlined, custom white mount with internal armature were fabricated to secure the piece. A UV filtering acrylic vitrine was fabricated to protect the sculpture from exposure dust and ultra-violet rays while allowing for display.
Currier Before Ives: Conservation of an 1848 Democratic Presidential Campaign Lithograph
This lithograph of “The Presidents of the United States” published by Nathaniel Currier (American, 1813-1888) arrived at our studio in poor condition with water staining, discoloration, tears, and creasing. The glass on the accompanying frame was broken and the...
The Recovery and Treatment of a Thomas Hart Benton After a Flood
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...
Restoration of a Prized Victrola Phonograph
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...
It’s Never Too Late – The Marriage of a 19th Century Portrait and Frame
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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