The Perfect Storm Part 1 - Conserving a Hurricane Damaged Heirloom

[@StormEngineer]

Client: "In this lead container is a pile of radioactive ash left from a painting that was exposed to a thermonuclear explosion." Julian: "I've seen worse."

[@RedShoes29]

That one time he had to chip off varnish on that one painting was probably his worst 😂😂

[@DrDingsGaster]

That one painting he had to spend his life scraping urethane off of-

[@VidimusWolf]

@@DrDingsGaster oml I remember that

[@heyoworld_]

​@@DrDingsGasterI remember that but do you know which video it was??

[@CulturedThugPoster]

Sometimes you just have to let them go .. For the money it cost to get this 'restored' a better investment would be something else from the auction house, or a new commission.

[@d.l.parham157]

"It's nothing that I haven't seen before," Julian says calmly. The audience is going, "yikes!"

[@rymdalkis]

Book version: "Julian said calmly" Movie version:

[@soulextracter]

@@rymdalkis I'VE NEVER FVCKING SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE!

[@Crowbars2]

"Painting! Did you throw yourself into the Puddle of Saltwater? Did you ask one of the older paintings to do it for you? You're absolutely sure?

[@C_Madrid]

timestamp?

[@TM-xc1yc]

@@C_Madrid 6:21

[@ihavespoken4555]

I stumbled upon one of Julian's videos recently and now I'm down the rabbit hole bingeing all of them. I'm now a proud member of the "We hate staples, rabbit-skin glue, yellowed varnish and unnecessary re-touching" society.

[@charlenejandik6587]

Welcome. We have jackets.

[@melissam9998]

Welcome to the madness lol

[@Argondo]

@@charlenejandik6587 we got tacks too!

[@claudiam5152]

We also love washi coso, belgium linnen, tacks and fish glue

[@fuabtreter7302]

@ihavespoken4555 We also don't like unnecessary patches!

[@Jen39x]

Absolutely amazing that this painting survived even in such a massive mess. Reminds me of the time Julian worked on the painting that had been through a fire.

[@sayanmandal2246]

I remember that one....the one which went from black and white to colour. 😂

[@caro.s.]

I haven't seen that one! Can you maybe remember the name of the episode? Thanks in advance :)

[@mysticmechanic141]

Which video would that have been?

[@caroltanzi29]

Julian: I really like the idea of your client coming in and talking with you about his family’s painting. I love the history behind the art work. As usual, I was mesmerized watching you start to restore the painting. I look forward to seeing the continuation of the restoration. Carol from California

[@Vixxenera]

More like carolfornia. Yes im tired and it was a bad joke. Sorry 😂

[@amazinggrace5692]

He’s tried to get clients to do this and as well to film their reaction to the unveiling of the restored piece, it most clients decline. It’s wonderful when they appear though.

[@henrivanbemmel]

​@@amazinggrace5692give them a discount! 😂

[@ceasewatercolorarts]

I'm an artist and an art collector that was also hit by Ian. We packed up everything important and valuable to us (all my art, much of our collection, jewelry, dogs, etc) and left town as the hurricane was warming up on the 28th. Sanibel was hit very hard. It's called a barrier island for a reason. I was absolutely amazed afterwards of the stories of people going to their homes praying to find a family heirloom. Friends, when you bug out, stuff your car with as much as you can carry.

[@BelleMichele99]

we learned hard lessons but we will be more prepared

[@Jen39x]

That assumes you are there to start with!

[@emilyfreas5768]

@@Jen39x and have a car, or the means to leave for that matter

[@alexanderkupke920]

But I would add, do so in time, as long as you have time. No art, heirloom, memory piece is worth risking your life or health in a last second rescue effort. And getting trapped by the storm with all the stuff in your car possibly doesn´t help either. I would suggest some storm and water proof storage to get all that stuff to... but with those forces we have seen I guess in parts we also have to readjust our definition of storm proof as well.

[@Arcanist_Gaming]

12:49 The paper is almost _what,_ Julian? This is gonna bother me; I doubt that you had anything to censor there lol EDIT: Also, the choice to use thunderstorm sounds to score this was interesting as we are forecasted to have thunderstorms all day here.

[@slicktak]

I'm betting he just forgot to record that part. He's said that he doesn't cut out his mistakes.

[@Izzy-cp8yt]

I choose to believe he was going to call it "almost like magic" or "almost fabric-like in it's flexibility and durability", for the sake of my own sanity 😅 I was wondering if anyone else caught that part. Julian left us hanging!!

[@mariek2070]

@@Izzy-cp8yt I had to replay that bit a few times, too!

[@MordantMagic]

"It's almost the kind of thing that would leave you speechless"

[@patrickh5081]

Is it one of those There are two kinds of people in the world. 1. Those that can infer from incomplete information.

[@thepagan5432]

I could not imagine how heartbroken the owners would have been seeing their heirloom in such a poor condition. I can't wait to see the next phases of restoration. Great post, thank you.

[@daniedel6333]

As someone from Louisiana who has lost everything to a hurricane, I feel for those people and so glad they even found their painting.

[@Tony-cm8lg]

Someone’s going to come in with a pile of ashes and Julian is going to be like “nothing I haven’t seen before” 😅

[@danaondrackova3431]

How poetic it is his greatgreat uncle lost his life because of sea, painted a picture of a disturbed waters that was almost lost because of flood waters years later. This really is the perfect storm

[@marthaanderson2656]

Part restoration, part jigsaw puzzle. Those little bean shot bags really delighted me.

[@Panicagq2]

I know, right? I don't restore art, I just work on hobby and home projects but Julian has taught me a ton of transferable tricks for measuring, gluing, securing things, and sometimes just a new perspective on creative but practical problem-solving. All that AND I get to watch beautiful art come back to life and learn how the artists themselves worked because he seems to be a natural teacher. What's not to love?

[@mariek2070]

@@Panicagq2 I tuned into an older episode of "The Repair Shop" (BBC), and was nearly horrified when one of the repair artisans bypassed nearly all of Julian's techniques in restoring a family painting of the house that Grandpa built for his new bride.

[@Panicagq2]

@@mariek2070 I know, right? It pains me to watch some other folks 'restore' paintings lol Staples? Really? No isolation layer? What barbarism is this?

[@CallieMasters5000]

What a cliffhanger! I'd say that painting was toast if you weren't on the case. Looking forward to a big reveal.

[@romigithepope]

I know right?

[@greylizard1040]

I love the painstaking care that Julian takes with pieces that are extra special to someone and so damaged. His experience makes him a genius with his restoration methods.

[@Here4Years]

Julian works his sorcery and the painting starts coming back to life. Can't wait for part 2.

[@1Avatar]

This episode is such a tease (silently screaming NOOOO you can't stop here)

[@maretteschulz8898]

@@1Avatar Indeed - same here

[@scottcates]

What an outstanding technique to bond the flaking paint back to the canvas. Watching you remove the mulberry paper so cleanly, with ZERO paint attached to the paper was phenomenal. This is superb work. I loved the adhesives used, as well. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@jarduanaodgvods]

18:32 Julien starts explaining how the mulberry paper's "life" ends here but how heroic it has been and in my head "Don't cry for me Argentina" starts playing: 'Don't cry for the mulberry paper, its road ends here but it helped me, it helped me clean the, painting from grime and, bond the paint back on, onto its canvas...'🙃

[@DreuxVince]

Dude I had a really rough day and earlier I was thinking "I hope Julian uploaded a new video", and here you are with the most perfect timing ever. Thank you so much

[@BookishStephanie]

Seeing a catastrophically damaged painting in Julian's studio is like seeing someone falling from a tall building in a Superman movie - there's absolutely no need for concern. A hero is at hand, a satisfying resolution is inevitable, and I can relax and enjoy the show.

[@CausingChaos.]

I never used to care about paintings or art in general until I found you a long while ago. Thanks!

[@Briccibracci]

I hope we get to see Kit again. It's inspiring to see Kit learn and grow. I also think she is really funny.

[@oz_jones]

I mean, she was in the background in this video, so technically we did see her in this.

[@tatiannazutania7751]

What an honor to be entrusted with such a family heirloom. I can hardly wait for part II.

[@stacyalcorn9184]

Glad to see Kit in the background, nice showing customer interaction and how they present the problem and you observing to explain solutions

[@Sedric-and-Charlie]

I've always enjoyed the mixture of technical solutions in Julian's studio, on one side a custom-engineered piece of heating equipment and on the other, two pieces of gypsum board and a breezeblock

[@angelinakardakova]

Yay another one with a client, I LOVE those episodes!

[@Smieska_13]

Oooooh wow I loved that you had the client talk about the painting and also his job! A good subject that I would've never related the two. I'm crying for that painting though 😮

[@TatiVersieux]

Oh my, 20 minutes go by so fast! Looking forward to the next episode! As an archaeologist, who usually works with ruins, It's beautiful seeing such a deteriorated piece of art being taken care of and coming back to life to be enjoyed by the next generations! Your work is very inspiring!

[@irick3000]

To see the condition of this piece is heartbreaking. A testament to your ability of restoration that your client went to you for this charge. Im sure many would look at all this distruction and just write it off as destroyed

[@susannegalligan8600]

Thank you for taking on this challenge in front of the camera for us! I learn so much more about restoration than you realize.

[@sydneycopps3046]

The only problem is I have watched every single video and I can’t wait anymore. I need more videos at a quicker pace to satisfy my addiction to this channel.

[@zippymacadoo6336]

Right there with you.

[@brooketaylor2713]

I went through hurricane Ian as well and I know the area of where this painting came from and it’s amazing to see one of my favorite creators working on something like this

[@donnaspear8311]

You're brilliant. You bring so much beauty back to us. Art I would never get to see. Love your work.

[@spannerfrog_]

it's been over 8 months since ian and we're still repairing all the damage down here. in my line of work (sign manufacture) we have been fixing/replacing things non stop the whole time. the amount of loss is still kind of unbelievable like half of my whole town was literally under water but i'm glad this family were able to save something and i have no doubt the restoration will be a resounding success :)

[@Miranda50709]

My late grandfather had a home on Sanibel, but he passed before Ian hit. I'm sort of glad he wasn't around to see his favorite place be devastated. We had been going to the island since I was a teenager. I hope it comes back to full strength soon. I can't wait to see the outcome of this.

[@1Avatar]

I live in the hurricane "magic zone " of tampa. Mother wiped out with Charlie, brother with Ian. They still haven't learned that if it is coming directly for me come here for shelter. This house is 120 yo old and Irma was a breeze and the worst has been hevous rancherous on the front porch until the power comes back in a couple of weeks😂

[@BelleMichele99]

@@1Avatar don’t compare past hurricanes with new hurricanes. that’s exactly how people died in Ian, thinking about Charlie or Irma and not feeling the need to evacuate or prepare. every storm is different and can’t be compared to past events please.

[@comradewindowsill4253]

@@1Avatar tf is "hevous rancherous"

[@graceparker7003]

Julian you are such a tease!! So happy to see you posted today because I have been missing watching you work. I lived in S. Florida for a good many years and know just how destructive those hurricanes can be. While I am extremely sad that this has happened, I am so happy that the owner picked you for the restoration/conservation of the painting. I can't wait for the next parts. I just know it's going to take my breath away when it's done.

[@euchrideucrow1970]

Oooo-eeeee this one’s a doozy! When I first saw it I thought maybe Julian had met his nemesis but a few minutes later and we see that it’s just another day at the office, albeit an office of incredible talent and knowledge.

[@ruadhscottygirl2480]

If Julian met his nemesis, he would say, “It’s nothing I haven’t seen before”.

[@comradewindowsill4253]

@@ruadhscottygirl2480 nah he's met his nemesis, and won. remember that polyurethane? chipping, chipping, chipping away...

[@kennstransky]

This was a great lunch break educational experience and now we all have to hold our breath and wait for part 2. A great and important story sure goes with this painting.

[@sally9123]

Fascinating video. When I saw the painting I thought it was just too badly damaged. You’re amazing. Yes climate change will mean we all need to think carefully about things we took for granted. Seed banks dug into ice and permafrost are no longer safe, snow gums in the Australian alps are at risk from insect attack because winters are no longer cold for long enough periods to kill some insects … and so it goes on. It’s also great to see someone passionate about family treasures.

[@merobedas]

Sympathy to the family. I hope they got their home mended. As a german from the north sea coast, i am used to storms, but a real hurricane must be devastating! I wouldn´t have thought that an oil painting, that has been molding three or more weeks on a wall of a flooded house, could be rescued! I am really looking forward to part two of the video to see the progress! 🙂👍

[@BelleMichele99]

it was Cat 5, lasted for hours, i think about a dozen people died and many people still struggle with PTSD. it was all we talked about for months. it changed everything! 😢

[@86fifty]

Ohh, lovely! I remember in previous videos, Julian has talked about hoping for a client someday willing to talk on camera to be part of the video, and he got one! And the owner has all this experience on such an important topic! It's eye-opening for me to think about the museums in at-risk areas, that the STUFF there is at risk of being lost, too, not just the people themselves, but what they love. The framing (hah) of this video, then, is a really good reminder of how MANY different disciplines will soon have to reckon with the topic, because it will affect their work.

[@elickes]

Julian, you're such a talented craftsman! Thanks for letting us into your world.

[@bananatassium7009]

Mr. Dean's explanation of the family history and his current role in relation to this painting were extremely interesting, I'm really honored to be able to hear him explain it with how incredibly important and relevant his field of work is right now, especially with the follow-up about climate change's effect on painting restoration. I haven't even finished watching the video yet, but that intro really blew me away!

[@HeisenbergFam]

19:20 seeing the speedrun of painting is a beautiful sight to behold

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

Well Julian if anyone could salvage and restore the painting it would be you. Looking forward to part 2 . Have a good week and God bless amen.

[@graemetimoney7002]

As with the painting that survived the house fire, my initial reaction was that this was too badly damaged to be restored. Needless to say I cant wait to see the finished work.

[@appleberry7425]

I have to say I’m really impressed how all the mold was addressed in this process.

[@chrisdavis1722]

Wow! Another interesting start to a work and related challenges I had not pondered. So nice to see the relative speak on his family’s works, passions, and how they relate. Looking forward to part 2 👍

[@timtaylor8406]

Having seen your many videos over the last two years, I think without question this is the most difficult, brilliant, masterful restoration of all of them. Absolute pinnacle of your craft, cannot be surpassed.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

If it wasn't Mr. Baumgartner, I would have said that this painting is definitely beyond repair because damaged in so many different ways. Especially because of the mold. But, as we all could just witness, the master of all masters and his "mulberry paper" saved it. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health in particular.

[@grammalee2012]

Your videos are one of the best reasons to watch KZbin. Thank you.

[@NinaHansen2008]

It’s really nice to see the client talking to Julian about the painting and it’s history.

[@ebmayes]

Thanks for the backstory for this one!! Can't wait for part 2 & to see it "all better"!!

[@ellengraham4677]

I love watching the cleaning its definitely the best bit, seeing the painting coming back to life.😊😊

[@Lilithliin]

I have no use for mulberry paper but I really feel we should all have some on hand, just in case.

[@shanettequao9043]

This has made me curious about paintings that have been damaged by seawater, not just mould too. What would the salt do to the paints over time?

[@turkizno]

Apparently it is an very real concern, looking into it there is an entire research paper available on the subject - salt can chemically alter the oil painting's pigments and therefore discolor certain colors, crystallization pressure is a thing apparently. It is really interesting stuff

[@shanettequao9043]

@@turkizno thank you so much for your answer! I’d really love to read the paper if you know the name?

[@Soldier4USA2005]

I LOVE your videos!!!! I do a form of restoration with boots, shoes, etc made of leather and many of the reasons for certain steps you take, I have similar reasons. This video really gave me a fright, given the painting's condition, but the fact it's in a 2 part video tells me you're going to show us your powers as a renowned wizard once again.

[@Excitable67]

Wow! Talk about a challenge! Already this immense challenge is being met and conquered by just the beginning steps! I can't wait to see how it looks after the full cleaning and then further restoration. Impressive to see how much junk was removed by just the paper and fish gelatin!

[@flameraven42]

Impressed the client thought to save the painting for restoration, I would have assumed anything so damaged was a loss and probably have just tossed it in the trash.

[@mindy7819]

This seems to me to be one of the most daunting tasks yet. Can’t wait for the finish!

[@angelique_cs]

I love a client that knows his provenance Can't wait to see what magic Julien does! (Usually I'm a goofball in these comments, but I feel like I should be on my best behavior when the client comes in)

[@valarya]

hahah everyone IS very well behaved today. dad has company, time to put on our manners 😂😂

[@angelique_cs]

@@valarya exactly hahaha Though I'm secretly stealing all the Cheetos away in the other room 😉

[@daxmas625]

This could be number one of a ll restorations. I think of all of paintings that have not survived because all those ten reasons you addressed. Just can’t wait to see the finished results.

[@riccisamurai]

hands down some of the best content on the platform

[@seriliaykilel]

Wow - surprised even this much of the painting survived given how bad the flooding was. Awesome vid, like always

[@skiingowl]

Me, looking at a painting in an auction house: OMG, that is filthy. I wonder what it would look like after it is cleaned? Thank you for your videos. They are entertaining, educational, and soothing. I can't wait to see how this one turns out. (I didn't bid on the painting in question, couldn't afford it)

[@DS-pd5ov]

I’ve just watched two of your first videos and I can tell you’ve come a long way regarding video editing and providing details of the process 👌🏼 such a cool and noble job!

[@h-leysanchez3397]

What a great way to start off Memorial Day. With your wonderful video 💯👍💖

[@GabdeVue]

Love it, when your clients are happy to speak on camera. I am very interested by that part of your job, too, thank you so much.

[@TheRockWolf95]

You're videos are a true healer for the heart of an art lover and the most relaxing thing for the mind, thank you for yet another wonderful video! ❤ i so wished you could upload an new video every day so i could always have your videos to watch after a long day, they are simply just the best!

[@carlosmares1635]

Man, the level of quality and detail of your job is just incredible. The bad part, as always, is to wait for the next episode😩

[@mm-qd1ho]

Wonderfully rewarding and satisfying, and that's how I feel just as a viewer. Well done! I look forward to Part 2. Inevitably, you will get a few comments from deniers, some of them sadly less civil than others. It's your channel, and your platform to do with as you wish, and I am not alone in saying that I appreciate everything you do.

[@tinlizzie]

Cape Ann - Massachusetts - a place with which I am familiar. WOW! It is heartbreaking to see what it looked like at the beginning, and I am glad the owner brought it forth as quickly as he did - the sooner the better. You have my undivided attention for this one.

[@purpleunicorn87]

Wait holy shit the clarity from just the soap was incredible!! Can't wait to see the end!

[@samanthadean1083]

This is going to be a stunning transformation!!! Can’t wait for next week!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@is_just_diana]

This is the craziest puzzle I've ever seen!

[@kososka]

Two-part Baumgartner video, let's go!!

[@cityofillustrations]

Oooh i do love when we get to see the owners of the painting

[@kotpijemleko]

thank you for all the years of content!

[@LUTfam4]

A cup of coffee with Julien and a climate change reminder to start my holiday off is perfect. Can't wait for part 2.

[@undefined40]

First of those of your vids I saw, where mold was addressed. So I learned something new. I consider it efficient, that a part of your standard process is also capable of dealing with that new (to me) issue.

[@Via_Von]

Oh my word, what a challenge! If it were mine, I would have been in tears trying to film that introductory part with you, Mr. Baumgartner - myclosest friends were in hurricane Ian so I know how devastating that was. I look forward to Part 2 and seeing you continue your magic! p.s. Kitt's puppy is adorable!

[@GottaDance56]

Where did you see Kitt's puppy?

[@Via_Von]

@@GottaDance56 also you can just sneak a peek in this video at the very end. It's on the floor next to Kitt.

[@laurettadelmar2781]

Julian you are a tease, I can’t wait for the next video now. I bet the transformation is going to be amazing and I really hope we get to see the owner’s reaction

[@NinaHansen2008]

I hope you get a commission from the makers of the Washi kozo! You are a fabulous promoter of this product.

[@livtupi]

Omg i might've passed out right there and then if i was tasked with restoring all THAT

[@Kani_Modaressi]

Kozo washi 💘😻🫶🏼🌻🌻 yes indeed! Amazing Julian!!! Bravo!! ✨✨✨✨✨

[@yvonnemccarthy4957]

Happy birthday to me!! A new video from you! Love hearing from the client, and I'm excited to watch your progress on this challenge. Thank you!

[@suzil7687]

A cliffhanger at the cleaning stage?!??! Noooooooooo! Juuuulian!! That’s my favorite part!!

[@gregmunro1137]

All I can say is wow!! I can’t wait to see what the next video !

[@williamharris8367]

I was just wondering how the painting would be decontaminated of the mold spores when Julian addressed my question. Thank-you! (I am also happy to see proper safety gear being used. Mold is really nasty.)

[@andreacrystal2588]

I love that you’re talking about this critical issue on your channel. Climate change affects everyone and everything, and this conversation should be EVERYWHERE.

[@Renville80]

While the client's circumstances are sobering, I didn't come here to be lectured on politics. There are other, better times and places to have this conversation, and I'm sure Julian would appreciate if the commentary remains on-topic to his work and not become yet another political shouting match.

[@milescorporosus4058]

@@Renville80 Cringe. Garbage take.

[@iainwalker8615]

It was really interesting to hear Brian talk about the history of the painting and the ramifications of climate change on art.

[@mary-jomarshall2027]

Climate change is real. Climate change is real!

[@stevedikovics8441]

Yes, I was hoping Julian would speak to the effect his Porsche 911 exhaust has on the climate 😂. Love it in white Julian!

[@tinkersmith]

Oh my stars, this is the first video of yours where I've been REALLY nervous, both when you applied -, and especially when you started to remove the Washi Kozo!

[@shanettequao9043]

So glad to see another upload !!

[@BelleMichele99]

i live in Southwest Florida as well! right where he’s talking about, it seems the world has forgotten about us as we try to build back 😢😢

[@-Kailinn-]

Excited for the next one. Excellent work.

[@trickyricky2903]

What a great message the owner has,

[@ReoRis72]

Your comments on the potential impacts of climate change on art struck a chord with me. Last year I visited the many small galleries at Lahaina, which was a fun and varied experience. This year they are all ash. So sad. And whether that fire was attributable to climate change or not, it was a sobering example of what may come.

[@malicia58]

Oh my..the painting has seen better days😅. luckily we can find great people with amazing skills who can do miracles. Really impressive job💪🙏

[@carriecooke4824]

Love these videos. My daughter loves art and history and is deciding what to do next now that she is finishing at school. I recommend your videos to her to see if this would be of interest and she is hooked.

[@BelleMichele99]

he had an apprentice a few months ago

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Ohhh, his poor parents! Just looking at this one painting I can imagine the devastation to the home. Heartbreaking. :(

[@annekabrimhall1059]

AND washi kozo with fish gel is fully compostable!