Conservation & Restoration
Specializing in Oil, Acrylic, Paper, and Photographic Media across NZ and Australia.
Art restoration is the art and science of restoring damaged paintings, works on paper, and photographs to their original or near-original condition. Our expertise lies in diagnosing and treating deterioration caused by age, environment, and accident.
Painting Conservation & Restoration
Oil & Acrylic Paintings
We conserve and restore paintings on canvas, wood panels, and other rigid supports while preserving the artist’s original intent.
Oil portrait before/after
Common Problems We Treat
- Tears, punctures, and splits in canvas
- Sagging or distorted canvases
- Cracks and splits in wooden panels
- Damage caused by wood-boring insects
- Flaking, lifting, or unstable paint
- Areas of paint loss and fading
- Yellowed or discoloured varnish
- Dirt, dust, mould, and mildew
Our conservation treatments are tailored to each artwork, with the aim of stabilising deterioration, improving appearance, and preserving the painting for future generations.
Works on Paper & Print Conservation
Watercolours, pastels, drawings, prints, maps, and documents require specialist conservation treatments due to the fragile nature of paper-based materials.
Common Problems We Treat
- Foxing – Foxing appears as brown spots or speckling on paper and is often associated with mould, bacteria, or environmental conditions. We can remove or reduce the appearance of foxing and improve the clarity and presentation of the artwork.
- Acidity & Mat Burn – Acidic papers, mats, and backing boards can cause artwork to yellow, brown, and deteriorate over time. We treat paper acidity and reduce discolouration caused by acidic materials.
- Mould – Mould can stain and weaken paper and is a particular concern for delicate media such as pastels. We assess and treat mould damage while helping to stabilise the artwork for the future.
Other Common Issues
- Tears and losses
- Creases and folds
- Water damage and staining
- Surface soiling and discolouration
- Distortion and cockling
Each treatment is carefully tailored to improve stability and presentation while preserving as much original material as possible.
Photograph Conservation & Restoration
We restore and preserve original photographs affected by fading, staining, tears, creasing, water damage, insect damage, and general age-related deterioration.
We work with a wide range of photographic materials, including:
- Black and white photographs
- Hand-coloured photographs
- Sepia photographs
Where colours have faded significantly, it is sometimes possible to reconstruct original tones using reference materials provided by the family, such as clothing, fabrics, or other surviving photographs.
Depending on the condition of the photograph, restoration may be carried out:
- Directly on the original photograph
- Digitally, creating a restored image from which new copies can be produced
Many clients understandably prefer the original photograph itself to be conserved and restored wherever possible. In other cases, digital restoration may offer the best solution, particularly where damage is extensive or where multiple copies are desired.
Each photograph is assessed individually and treatment recommendations are based on achieving the best outcome while preserving the character and integrity of the original image.
Insurance, Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
Artworks and family heirlooms can suffer significant damage following floods, leaks, fires, smoke contamination, accidents, and transit incidents. Prompt assessment and treatment can often prevent further deterioration and greatly improve the chances of successful conservation.
We regularly undertake conservation and restoration work for private clients, insurers, loss adjusters, restoration companies, and claims managers throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Common Types of Damage
- Water Damage
- Flooding
- Burst pipes
- Roof leaks
- Storm damage
- Accidental water exposure
Fire & Smoke Damage - Soot deposits
- Smoke staining
- Odours
- Heat damage
- Surface contamination
Specialist cleaning and conservation treatment can often significantly improve both appearance and long-term stability.
- Transit & Impact Damage
- Tears and punctures
- Broken frames
- Detached components
- Cracked glazing
- Structural damage
Why Early Action Matters
The sooner damaged artwork is assessed, the greater the opportunity to minimise secondary deterioration.
This is particularly important following water damage, where mould growth and staining can continue to develop long after the initial incident.
Insurance Assessments & Documentation
We are happy to provide:
- Condition assessments
- Treatment proposals
- Written quotations
- Supporting documentation for insurance purposes
- Photographic documentation before and after treatment
If your artwork has been damaged by water, fire, smoke, transit, or accidental impact, please contact us as soon as possible for advice on the next steps.
Pest & Rodent Damage
Insects and rodents can cause significant damage to photographs, works on paper, textiles, and other artworks.
Common culprits include:
- Silverfish
- Book lice
- Rodents
- Other pests that feed on organic materials
