SYS Blog

Poor Handling of Antiques May Result in Loss of Value

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One of the most common types of damage that we encounter is due to careless handling, improper packing for storing conditions and not being careful because the item is not important in the opinion of the owner. On the other hand all of these clumsy mistakes can be claimed on insurance damage. After an item […]

Hidden Flakes Can Be Dangerous When Cleaning.

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As you can see in the following photograph, this painting looks like it is in perfect conditions without any cracks or problems are odvious, however in the trees to the left, there are 6 or 8 very small flakes of paint that are coming off. These types of hard to see flakes are often knock off when […]

Stay Away From Flaking Paint!

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The most problems people face is to resist the temptation of touching an oil painting that is flaking. I have been amused to witness even the seasoned experienced collectors be rate themselves after they touch a flaking area and knock paint off.  Damaged art work should be removed from display once it’s damaged due to people’s […]

Mistreated Oil Painting Attains an Awful 8 In” Rip.

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  Waves on shore by Robert Wood. A week ago, the painting was in perfect conditions but because of poor handling and bad storage it now has a tremendously deep 8 in. rip. These are the two reasons why we do not recommend patching in an oil or acrylic painting. The correct repair contains the […]

Dents, Cracks and Rips of Gorgeous Oil Painting by Robert Wood A Result of Poor Handling

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The following painting was brought into the lab because it had couple complications: It  contained several dents and tears towards the middle and in the lower right hand corner and it was also it was cracking badly. These dents and rips should have been avoided if it was taken care of properly! This kind of damage was more likely caused  by storing it carelessly and obviously leaning […]

Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Preserving Memories

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  This lovely alabaster sculpture is a treasured heirloom from the owner’s mother. It was originally bought in the 1920’s in Florence, Italy and was passed down from mother to daughter.  Sadly, due to poor packing and inept storage, the center section broke into several pieces.  This greatly distressed the owner, as this heirloom was very precious […]

Trashed Russian Old Masterpiece Saved

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This painting has a great story I’m sure you’ll find interesting, even in its abbreviated form: Painted in 1903, a Russian artist from St. Petersburg sent this painting to America to be exhibited in 1904 at the St. Louis International Exhibition to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase. An art dealer gathered paintings from his country’s best […]

Art Treasure Found In The Trash

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Consult Professional Conservation Services Before Getting Rid of Art Amazingly, this vintage piece was found flaking and filthy in the garbage! Then the dumpster diver who found the item, who obviously thought it wasn’t worth much, gave it to a restorer who made a inept attempt to do a “restoration.”  This consisted of an abundant application of wax to […]