Professionally Restoring a Moldy Watercolor Painting | Paper Conservation

[@charlene-allgood]

I am totally amazed!!!! I can’t even imagine the hours and hours it took to become this experienced!

[@PSPSarah1]

In another life I would have loved to be an art restorer. I can’t imagine anything more satisfying! This was heaven for me on so many levels. Thank you.

[@Teenywing]

Me too!! I just would love to spend my life doing this ❤❤❤❤

[@marioduarte7658]

Wow! What incredible work! You've gained a huge fan in Brazil!

[@angusg220]

Any framer that has worked with original art should know that watercolours tend to be mounted with a single, double, occasionally a triple mount and on rare occasions a floating mount. The cleaning process shown has not addressed the actual cleaning of the artwork nor the neutralisation of the mould. Quite why the glass was sealed to the frame is a mystery to me as, to put the A/W into the frame, the framer usually creates a "sandwich" comprising glass, mount, artwork and board; the glass is dropped onto the sandwich to dispel any dust particulates and MIGHT at this point be sealed - again highly unusual before the completed frame is placed over the sandwich, turned over and secured with 2 pins per side. Once checked that there is no dust between the glass and the mount, the remaining pins complete the process.. The a/w might have a secondary board to cover the back that is tacked down and then sealed with tape to prevent dust or fly intrusion.

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow!

[@irenedavo3768]

Do you paint?

[@angusg220]

@@irenedavo3768 yes. I prefer working in oil as I make my own paint, though do also work in watercolour. Watercolour is often considered less skilled than the oil equivalent. I disagree - oil is far more forgiving, provided that some rules are followed. Rules are simple and, for me as an amateur artist, need to be followed. Thick over thin and fat over lean. This means a sketch (thinned paint) which is made with a small amount of paint and a large amount of thinning agent (I use turpentine). The foundations can be built upon with successive layers that introduce more pigment (think of this as the thickness) which are bound and manipulated in the binder. So while I use either linseed or walnut oil as my binder, I tend to use linseed oil in successive layers either in a glaze (layered technique) or in the composition of work from sketch to painting. Oh.... and I also make my own varnish to seal my artwork. In short, I know what I am talking about in terms of the technical approach to art. I have competence for many years as a gilder where my original and restorative work can be seen in some of the finest galleries in London and my own work has only been exhibited privately. I am NOT a commercial artist and retired to concentrate in building my art collection 30 or so years ago. I hope that this fuller answer provides a little depth to my argument.

[@srahman8401]

@@irenedavo3768obviously you don’t

[@User2754-s]

Please explain how the mould is cleaned/ neutralised. On watercolour, and when oil painting.

[@yvonnelewis4888]

Such painstaking work! Your dedication to what you do is so admirable and your restoration work is absolutely beautiful.

[@rickvaiBBB]

That was a treat to watch and no endless talking. Removing the backing looks tedious but it had to be done and you did it.

[@Mobin92]

Didn't you hear that annoying AI voice?

[@LambentOrt]

I paint a lot with watercolours and mold is my mortal enemy, so this repair and restoration is amazing to see. I love the delicacy and care involved in the process.

[@mlewis8579]

Ink and water color are my favorite, once down you have to use the stroke. I don’t paint, my uncle and mother were the artist, but I have a good eye. Found this site because I watch a Russian restorer, don’t understand but four words but he’s good.

[@annemiekvandorp4457]

If I wore a hat I would take it of! What an incredible result, reached by knowledge, patience and a lot of love.

[@walterengler5709]

Watching the care and expertise used to remove the old backing without damage to the painting was impressive. That is some amazing skill and eyesight.

[@sugandspice9397]

I wish there was more detailed explanations on the products and techniques used. I see a lot of comments about julian and i think people specifically like him because he explains everything. It makes you feel like you are participating instead of just watching

[@rickvaiBBB]

If you watched Baumgartner 5 times you should know what he is doing.

[@leeproulx7412]

So superbly done. The painting is beautiful.

[@mrdog66]

It's amazing the paper didn't rot. Although it looks as if the backing did a bit.

[@reggiebillingsworth7779]

Shall we ignore some pillocks here who clearly are more interested in casting shade than learning...Meanwhile, I have often wondered how a watercolour could be saved and in this case, from such a gruesome fate! Thank goodness for the HVAC support and the patience! My quibble would be the actual accuracy of the dobbed cerulean blue in the upper left corner: a bit too much there and not enough light warm grey to tone it down? And I agree with some about the missing pinstripe on the new (very white!) wide mat. Some paintings deserve a more subtle surround. Overall VERY interesting insight. Sorry the digital enhanced idea did not impress me. It just looked, well, digitally enhanced and not like a watercolour at all.

[@irenedavo3768]

Wow!

[@irenedavo3768]

Are you an Artist?

[@irenedavo3768]

Wonder who owns it?

[@bernicedavenport1142]

This is absolutely fascinating.

[@nickjanssens]

This was most certainly a wow.

[@DaleDix]

I can't believe a Pearson ended up in that condition. Terrible. Thank god for an awesome restoration.

[@sarahbiermann5889]

As a watercolor painter and a picture framer, I appreciate this video.

[@barrygandersleeve3396]

I'm a little surprised that the glass wasn't replaced with UV blocking glass. The mount was modern materials and modern techniques - certainly, UV glass would further protect the the work.

[@angusg220]

UV blocking glass is only beneficial to works of immense importance. This is a decent enough piece but not that great. The great German lens makers such as Zeiss and Schott are the experts to refer any enquiry over filters. Most works of art can be protected from UV by simply placing on a wall that does not receive direct light.

[@johnhobbs621]

Me too, I've done a fair amount of picture framing and frame repurposing in the past and now would always have new UV glass cut for 2 reasons, firstly as the original glass is always damaged, pitted and chipped, and secondly to cut out reflection. I find the UV glass needs a lot of washing and cleaning over and over to remove the oil spill type of effect on the surface.

[@1967250s]

How is the mold killed on the paper to stop it dead? Lots of stuff is left out.

[@Auriflamme]

They burned the painting afterwards to kill the mould.

[@francesw.6774]

I had the same question. The back of the painting was still very moldy looking. I'm guessing they addressed this, but didn't enlighten us. Leaving mold spores in the paper would not be acceptable.

[@antares4975]

the grime looked different in every befor-after.. it's a shame even this kind of content gets faked. It's just photoshopped.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I have been thinking about this issue too, though mostly while watching Baumgartner Restaurations. I have no idea if I'm right, but I've been thinking that there might be some things the untrained shouldn't know. One of the reasons could be, because of who knows what damage an enthusiastic home "restorer" might do to an innocent painting, if they get the key to the banana plantation. The other is, if you have found the best product to clean a painting, stabilize it, or any number of products and practices there are, that would be your knowhow. That would be the reason people come to you for restoration work, and not go to the cheep-o guy in the next town over. Why would you want to give your knowhow away for free, and to people who might not know what they are doing. Now their customers are blaming you because they got what they paid for with this untrained dufus. Being in a cynical mood tonight, and being somewhat familiar with the American ways (I'm from northern Europe) that would be a lawsuit in there by somebody. Now your insurance premium skyrocketing, plus your productivity would be going down because you're having to spend so much time with your legal team. As I said I don't know if I'm right, it might be that KZbin has told you that your videor need to be no longer than 20-30 minutes. It's happening to a lot of people around the platform, I've heard. In such a short time nobody has the time to go in to the more special interests parts of whatever their content might be. I do believe that the speaker said after the vacuum machine with HEPA was done, that the restorer bound the spores with alcohol. Maybe that was the actual mold and fungi they stabilized. I think I'm done being cynical for tonight, so I bid you a good night. Yours, Ann

[@OdysseusMDA]

​@@annlidslot8212 😅😅

[@mikejackson1410]

I don’t understand, in the frame repair, making the small repairs before the entire frame is cleaned. Is there not a chance that dirt and grime are still present?

[@lesrolon40]

I agree, the frame cleaning looked sloppy, cleaning and repairing at the same time. Maybe because I watch another well-known restorer (JB) and am acustom to his meticulous cleaning procedures. Btw I know he (JB) doesn't do paper conservations or watercolor restorations.

[@maggiematthews3517]

Painstaking work with a lovely result.

[@johnbaligrodzki9672]

Wow! Always see on Antiques Roadshow the curators saying the painting needs to be cleaned or restored. Always wondered how this is done, Very impressive the techniques, skill and serious patience to restore one of kind artwork.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Nicely done, no ego, just results! Very rare on YT!

[@mining4goldmeister420]

Julian Baumgartner would not be happy with some of their techniques! They didn't even use a brush to remove the loose dirt from the frame before attempting to clean it. I think they could use some Julian tutelage. It is really hard to watch other art restoration after watching Baumgartner.

[@jodimarchand7974]

We really are used to a standard aren't we? 😅

[@hiddentreasures5676]

What are you talking about? This is a special vacuumer and there is no canvas to protect! The frame is mold infected! This Art Restoration channel is at least on the same professional level but this vid is about paper which Baumgartner can not do. Also I'm a Baumgartner Patreon and know all his vids and we have never seen him cleaning and repairing a frame with such delicacy and care as they show here. Please do not insult these experts!

[@basbas768]

Who cares what Julian thinks. We don't even know if he can do it. He restores oil paintings. I have never seen him restoring watercolors.

[@thetomatomonster11]

Do you not realize that by making comments like this you are only making Julian look bad. Also you talk as if you know everything about art conservation when all you’ve ever done is watch videos about them on KZbin, that does not make you an expert in the area nor does it give you the right to talk like that to professionals.

[@jackfntwist]

Watercolors are tricky to restore. While she did a fair job of repairing the frame and conserving the paper, there's no real way to restore the actual painting, discoloration, and mold spots without repainting. At the end of the day, this lady finger painted over 25% of an original watercolor with pastels. I think that's a bit heavy handed. I would have restored the paper, removed spots, and let a landscape watercolor artist retouch to the best of their ability.

[@sugandspice9397]

I feel the same way. Other conservators would not add anything to the painting. Water colors especially can't be reversed with solvents like acrylic or oil paints can. She basically made a new painting

[@francesw.6774]

One choice would be to use gouache instead of watercolor to overpaint where needed. It's still water-based, but is more opaque and thus could hide the damaged spots while staying within the spirit of the medium. Many artists use both watercolor and gouache on the same painting to get the effects they desire.

[@sharonbland9061]

I was so engrossed watching this restoration. A lot of work, but the end result was awesome. Beautiful picture. ❤❤

[@keesssie1991]

If anyone is wondering about the foil. It's there so the aliens can not find it.

[@erbigimbi9903]

The result was very please - a great restoration job.

[@pamelaruben4644]

I am amazed at her patience.No wonder this is expensive.

[@alainboulanger9833]

Bravo👏pour cette magnifique restauration. J’admire votre travail de précision 👍👍😉🇫🇷

[@I-am-not-a-number]

It needs the pinstripes on the matt, it is floating about in space in a frame that is too big.

[@waynecassidy6145]

WOW what a magnificent restoration. I’m really impressed that you restored the really old masterpiece 👏👏👏👌

[@mariondavis3444]

Excellent work!

[@johnhobbs621]

Very impressive work and some brilliant tips, I especially enjoyed the mounting and framing steps, I've done a fair amount of picture framing and vintage frame repurposing in the past and now would always have new UV glass cut for 2 reasons, firstly as the original glass is always damaged, pitted and chipped, and secondly to cut out reflection. I find the UV glass needs a lot of washing and cleaning over and over to remove the oil spill type of effect on the surface. I was also a bit surprised to see the frame touched in, in part, with gold acrylic paint which personally I don't like the look of, I think it looks a bit synthetic. So much trouble taken with the restoration I was a bit surprised at these two decisions, however still fantastic work.

[@Marianpf-o4h]

Maravilla de trabajo.Gracias ñor compartir.Saludos.

[@wesleyc1694]

Love to see art restored

[@francesw.6774]

For my money, the best way to deal with seriously damaged watercolors on paper is not to buy them in the first place, because restoration is so challenging. Respect to this restorer for bringing this disaster back to very presentable form.

[@DaleDix]

It was in the bin

[@williamharris8367]

I agree. I mostly collect prints (though I do have one or two original watercolors), and I have passed on several pieces that I liked because they were in poor or even damaged condition. In a few cases, I am shocked that someone was even trying to sell them given the amount of restoration/conservation that would be required before they could be displayed.

[@kathycarlson7947]

Absolutely wonderful work! Thank you

[@di_tattoolover]

When I were younger, this was my dream career, I wish I had the courage to get involved someway, either art restoration or Book restoration.

[@lyndalea84]

I love your job ❤ amazing work

[@B.Duncan]

Nice, but I would appreciate a bit more explanation of materials used and why

[@summer6u]

I would hve loved to see Baumgartner restore this

[@MadeInSweden74]

I always want to see the restorations done by Julian. I havent found anyone quite like him :) The satisfactions is sadly not here

[@nacekozo]

I don't think he does watercolours - if he did, he'd have done one by now

[@MadeInSweden74]

@@nacekozo I´m quite sure we have´nt even seen the top of the iceberg of work. From all we have, he has done loads of different work and Im sure he has done watercolours aswell :) Anyways, it was just a general statement of love for his work :)

[@svenmarksven]

Could the owners have afforded him to do it

[@MaMa_HQ]

I agree, would have been way more satisfying in the end with his care and attention to detail he puts into every project.

[@eLLowWorlw996]

this lady is nice with it !!!

[@aletheab8630]

Beautiful

[@tomflynn2394]

brilliant

[@finch45lear]

Remarkable.

[@donnadees1971]

Why aluminum foil?

[@yvonneackerman6039]

De cierto que el video fue hecho por alguien que capto el flujo de delicadeza q7e hay en cada trabajo hecho para salvar una obra de arte en manos de las manos artistas, que le devuelve magistralmente su belleza.....y yo que creí que el hongo era vegetación....ahora se ve...la calma

[@juditbagi6424]

Gyönyörű munka❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@maxmurgia642]

Incredible !

[@royevans5846]

Just realised l have been putting paper tape on wrong for years , thank you for a brilliant video.

[@teresaabela9479]

Wow and wow beautiful 🎉

[@mlewis8579]

Beautiful! ❤

[@kevinferrari1267]

The heavy heavy breathing gets me!! Like something out of a 70s horror film lol

[@henceforthwonder]

this channel deserves more.

[@carolshaw1100]

Gloves please

[@dilokbankhom5056]

I love it ❤️🤩

[@AgeacacGnosisGuaymallen]

Amazing...!!!

[@StillAliveAndKicking_]

The restoration is beautiful, the digital ‘enhancement’ is vile, the colours are over saturated. IMO of course.

[@MarkH10]

I appreciate your dedication. Now impress me, and restore a Bob Ross.

[@0210rokvist]

Magical

[@sunshinehell]

"loose material is carefully removed" Just say you chucked it and saved the wooden bits

[@nicolamarini]

Do they paint it with a white mixture ?

[@mlewis8579]

Love your channel! Found you because I watch a Russian restorer. Question, was a reason for not using conservation glass? TY

[@BB49.]

Did not get rid of the mold it will just return

[@SultanaP]

Pop it in the freezer in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. That will kill the mold.

[@dredra7160]

Does anyone know the value of the painting? It was interesting enough for me to watch the whole thing but it would have been better to have heard why you were doing what you were doing.

[@DaleDix]

US$800

[@GailBurfoot]

Why are they reusing that old glass?

[@jackfntwist]

Because, in general, antique glass has more value than new glass - unless they're trying to have a specialized anti-glare or UV blocking glass.

[@francesw.6774]

If it is cleaned and not damaged, there is no reason not to and it keeps the object as original as possible. Of course, re-placement with UV museum glass would protect the painting better from light and cut down on glare.

[@Alena1968]

У меня возник вопрос: почему для чистки рамы не используют мягкую зубную щётку? Мне кажется, было бы намного эффективнее, щеткой лучше удаляется грязь из углублений.

[@ghlscitel6714]

1-Propanol is quite effective against mold

[@Janescheekychickens]

Wow! Amazing work

[@JuanPabloDominguez]

What would Baumgartner say about not facing the painting before removing the back is what I’d like to know

[@WishyWashyMaybe]

What was the aluminum foil for?

[@aravenlunatic9028]

Interesting breakdown of this conservation project. No disrespect intended,but I kept silently asking what Julian would do at various points in this project. There are a number of great conservator training styles out there but I've been partial to Julian's methods ever since I found his channel. It's fascinating to see different techniques employed to clean and protect these works and how a conservator's training can alter the piece.

[@yessanknow302]

Julian has never done a video of a watercolour....maybe he's too scared to try!

[@reetpateet8656]

Wow!

[@gustavomezcala4142]

I like the frames patina better before the cleaning

[@missmurry]

Wizardry...

[@bernicedavenport1142]

How did they clean the frame ?

[@helengren9349]

Isn't one suppose to use metal vire for hanging pictures?

[@uysalere]

Was the painting itself cleaned? Or did I miss it?

[@nacekozo]

you missed it - that formed a major part of this video

[@monkey271070]

Yes they cleaned it with soapy water and a sponge 🤣. The painting is now a very clean white piece of paper .🤣

[@annedarr8362]

How about a very soft toothbrush for the alcohol treatment

[@esteladevuyst6119]

Maravilhoso!!!!!

[@chefmichaelgriffin4005]

Why would you jot replace the glass with UV Glass?

[@ЕленаЧелышева-з1й]

Восхитительно🎉🎉🎉! Россия, Рефтинский!

[@TAZIOZAFFARONE]

wow !

[@soundslikephiladelphia]

Aluminum foil??

[@evelynedavid9564]

no one beats Julian ! it's a known fact.

[@DaleDix]

Julian Stan in the house

[@yessanknow302]

He never does watercolours. Why is that?

[@castlegate2015]

Dont let yourself be brainwashed 😊

[@durangodave]

i am curious why the frame cant be cleaned with a large brush dipped in alchohol, give it a bath with a brush. Is that because of the gold in the frame?

[@HomeFromFarAway]

possibly because of how loose the flakes and plaster were. old frames are much more fragile than new ones, especially after mould and damp damage.

[@jackfntwist]

I'm guessing the wood expands and contracts, cracks and warps with a lot of moisture, and also the plaster details. I think the alcohol was used mostly in order to neutralize the mold. But alcohol is a % water. If it didn't have mold, it would have probably only be dry brushed clean, with maybe a few spots cleaned with alcohol.

[@durangodave]

@@jackfntwist That makes since, thank you.

[@falcon8553]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@ominci]

Eu tenho uma aquarela chinesa antiga que era de minha avó , esta mofada , tem algum produto que eu possa passar ? , já pensei até em passar alvejante

[@annawarner7516]

❤❤❤

[@jonatas27souza]

muito bom

[@jeandubois8810]

No gamma rays sterilization? That's what we do at le Louvre.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

So, the way to restore a watercolour painting is to turn it into a pastel painting.

[@UPLIFTEDLAMB]

😂

[@jackfntwist]

No. A pastel finger painting.

[@Calum_S]

Pastel was probably used so it is reversible should someone need to do another restoration in the future - over painting would be permanent

[@irenedavo3768]

Are you an Artist?

[@jackfntwist]

@@Calum_S Pastel on paper is not reversible.

[@gurucarcar]

IDK...is everyone secured that the mold is dead?

[@SonjaJM-e7d]

Nice job, but as a paper conservator I was surprised that you did not locally reduce mold stains prior to retouching. Also current best practices recommends the use of archival acrylic for glazing rather than glass which can cut paper if the frame falls or is mishandled. Otherwise meticulous work.

[@irenedavo3768]

Nearly 150 years old?

[@DaleDix]

1876

[@mikebattis8684]

Beatiful job, thanks for sharing!!

[@annaingram2429]

Why wouldn’t you use watercolor to blend the ruined areas? Not criticizing, just wondering.

[@judygouchie9701]

Beautiful!

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

Don't try this at home..... people do! But it takes years of experience, expert training, the proper equipment, endless patience. The other thing - don't let your paintings get into this condition in the first place - I imagine the saving of this one, as well as the huge skill of the conservator of course, was Pearson's use of the most lightfast pigments he could source, and the use of cotton rag paper - I don't know for sure, never having done this, but I would guess wood-pulp paper would have presented even more problems. A treasure saved!

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

Although - had the painting been of greater value or potential value, you wouldn't have seen a conservator finger painting with pastel ... Even so, despite the negative comments (bearing in mind too that we didn't see everything, including whatever preparation was used to prevent mould recurrence) the process was interesting and, with luck, will give the picture another 100 years of life - after which, if it needs further care and attention, at least the next conservator should have an easier job - maybe apart from that pastel....

[@snoogiebug]

Nice video but the car chase seemed unnecessary