Julieta Herrera Conservation

Introduction

This project involved working on a swept frame, likely from the 19th century, made of pine wood and water-gilded. The one-day job was carried out at the Lambeth Library Conservation Studio. The client’s brief was to secure a detached fragment from the centre of the bottom member, perform an overall cleaning, retouch losses, and improve the backing of the painting.

Condition Before Treatment

A fragment of the central ornament from the bottom member was detached. There was an overall layer of dust covering the surface. Small gesso losses were present. The backing of the painting lacked protection, allowing dust to accumulate on the canvas.

Treatment

The loose fragment was reattached using hide glue. A soft brush and vacuum cleaner were used to clean the surface. Watercolours were applied to retouch the gesso losses. A museum-grade backing was added to protect the painting from the reverse.