Conservation of Paintings: National Gallery Pocket Guide

A Closer Look

by David Bomford, National Gallery London

The philosophy of modern conservation is different from that of previous the emphasis now is on longterm stabilization by methods that alter the structure of a painting as little as possible. Nevertheless, if paintings are obscured by discolored varnishes and old repaints, they are cleaned, and this has often led to anxiety and debate as long-admired images are transformed. This Guide discusses the material nature of paintings and the ways that they have changed, both naturally and at the hands of previous restorers, and it describes the main types of conservation treatment carried out on panel and canvas paintings and some of the complex issues involved in cleaning and restoration.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Reference, Conservation

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intended as an introduction into the complex discipline of restoration and conservation. David Bomford's precise and comforting tone of writing delivers a rounded view of the most delicate of issues, from: in-painting, cleaning, restoring, conserving, and even abstaining from any course of restorative action. It is evident that each decision for action is always well considered and those performing these intense jobs often dedicate years of patient and steady handiwork. Any attempt at conservation, cleaning, or restoration has to contend not only with the ravages of time, e.g. craquelure, but likely well intentioned attempts at conservation from previous centuries, e.g. those by Giuseppe Molteni, favourite restorer of Sir Charles Eastlake. Bomford works through several different scenarios as he explains the difficult decisions faced by the expert team at the National Gallery, which in turn illuminates those faced by all galleries as each consider how best to preserve their collections for us all.

If you are not familiar with conservation terms, this book will make them clear and comprehensive. However, if you are more of a specialist, this is a wonderful reminder of the changing face of art and the many dilemmas art historians and art conservators have to regularly make. We should always ask what is original and what is important, for these are not always the same thing.

Well worth reading.

[Pierre Sabourin · Rating 4 out of 5]

On comprend mieux ce que les départements de conservation font et leurs approches. Les cas en fin de livre sont fascinants et démontre bien les approches scientifiques pour la conservation (et la restoration dans des cas exceptionnel). Les résultats de ces efforts, souvent de plusieurs années, sont impressionnants. Les cas des tableaux Ambassadeurs Holbein, Mehmet II Bellini et Maesta Duccio sont fascinants. Les cas de décision de « non conservation », ie ne pas retirer le vernis, démontre qu’il y a encore des progrès à faire. L’usage de la technologie devient de plus en plus essentiel.

[Alicia Verstraeten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Picked this one up in the National Gallery last week with the intention of learning more about the conservation and restoration of paintings and that is exactly what the book did.

For me, personally, I would've like it a bit more if there were more specific examples and cases (as at the end of the book), but I do understand it is necessary to understand restoration and conservation and everything that has to do with this as the bigger picture.

[Linde]

😀👌🏻 good soup

[Koko]

0

[Ginger K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview