Currier Before Ives, Conservation of an

1848 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 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. The acidic wood panel backboard was in direct contact with the print which contributed to the lithograph’s deterioration.   It was easily discernable the improper framing of this work led to its current condition and several issues, which needed to be addressed.

Blot it Out, Dramatic Treatment Results of a WWI Liberty Bond Poster

This Original WWI Liberty Bond poster sat rolled in water for three weeks, resulting in disfiguring water damage including sever discoloration, delaimation from the mount and wrinkling throghout.  

When works on paper, prints, drawings, lithographs, etchings, etc are damaged from water, fire, vandalism or shipping accidents, it is important to consult a conservator.  Works on paper are more resilient than you would think.

The Recovery and Conservation of a Thomas Hart Benton After a Flood

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 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. The acidic wood panel backboard was in direct contact with the print which contributed to the lithograph’s deterioration.   It was easily discernable the improper framing of this work led to its current condition and several issues, which needed to be addressed.

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. Through a commission from the National Park Service to illustrate a handbook, Little Bighorn Battlefield, Baskin’s interest and understanding of Native Americans and their history evolved.  His series of lithographs convey a deep respect for the courage and wisdom of the Sioux mixed with an expression of the tragedy at the loss and betrayal they faced.