“Poppet” has two definitions: either as an informal British term for an endearingly sweet young girl, or a small figure of a human being used in sorcery and witchcraft. While the portrait Poppet from the Fischer Governor Foundation must refer to the former, she certainly cast a spell on us as she underwent treatment in our Painting Department.
When this darkened painting came to The Center for treatment, we knew we were working with a special piece of history. The subject of this portrait is an unidentified woman dating back to 1860, a time when only those of high status could afford to have oil portraits done of themselves. This piece of information gives little insight into who this woman was and the life she lived.
The West Foundation, which awards grants to the arts and to humanitarian, cultural, and civic organizations centered in the Lakeshore, Wisconsin area, is no stranger to treasures – (read about their stunning Lester W. Bentley mural) but when this autograph book was brought to The Center for treatment, we knew it was something truly special.
Our Painting Department sees several common issues frequently in the pieces they treat: discoloration, surface grime, tears in the canvas — but every now and then, a completely unique challenge is presented. Recently, a piece brought to us by local Chicago business Nick’s Beer Garden ( 1516 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL) gave us just that.
We certainly hope whoever originally owned this receipt didn't need to make a return. This piece was found buried within the wall of a recent client’s house during a remodel, maybe stuffed into the walls by accident, or some sort of practical joke from the past. As our Paper Department worked on this 19th-century puzzle, a dramatic transformation began to take place.
Vogue's September issue has always been important in the fashion world: packed with editorial shoots and advertisements, the September issue signifies what's seen as the biggest moment of the year for the industry. In a historically unusual move for the magazine, two artists were chosen to create the covers for this year's September issue: Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel. Marshall, widely considered one of the greatest living artists, chose to paint a fictional character in a formal white evening dress by Off-White. Self-possessed and unflinching, the portrait is stunning – and we were honored to frame it for Marshall here at The Conservation Center.
As winter looms over our heads, we find ourselves enjoying the last few days of nice weather near our beautiful lakefront- much like the figures in French painter Félix Buhot's painting Jetty at Trouville, 1884. This piece, depicting a serene day along the coast of France, recently underwent a magnificent transformation in our Painting Department.
The Conservation Center is excited to have the honor of working on the collection of the Fisher Governor Foundation in Marshalltown, Iowa. Their collection is immense and impressive – the Impressionist Gallery was donated by the late Bill Fisher and features paintings from artists like Mary Cassatt and Camile Pissarro. We are excited to work on this unique cultural and artistic asset, and recently completed treatment of a graceful Degas pastel, “Dancers on Stage.”
I sent a letter out on March 25th updating all of you on how we were handling Covid-19 as a small art business and the feedback was tremendous: Reflecting on the Past to Inform Our Future, By Heather Becker. I wanted to give all of you an update on what has transpired since then.
Every so often, we’re given the pleasure of treating a true family heirloom – a recipe book, a treasured violin, or scrapbook of memories. When this beautiful photo album came to The Center in need of care, we were excited to work with our client to learn more about their family as the treatment progressed.
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