Revive Your Masterpiece – Art Restoration Experts

ICAS Vilas Art Gallery has been a trusted provider of art conservation, picture cleaning, and restoration services in Letchworth Garden City. We specialise in breathing new life into cherished family collections and reviving the original splendour of timeless treasures, from antique paintings to contemporary originals.

At ICAS Gallery, we understand the sentimental and historical value embedded in every piece of art. Whether your collection consists of heirloom portraits passed down through generations or modern masterpieces, we’re here to help you preserve your family’s artistic legacy. Our expert restoration services are designed to keep your art looking its best for years.

Restoring Original Brilliance: Over time, age, environmental factors, and wear can diminish the beauty of artworks. At ICAS Vilas Art Gallery, our skilled team specialises in meticulous cleaning and restoration techniques to revive the original quality of each piece. This restores the artwork’s visual allure and preserves its cultural and emotional significance. With our picture cleaning and restoration services, you can bridge the gap between past and present generations, sharing the beauty and stories behind these cherished pieces with your loved ones.

Our services include restoring paintings, prints, and works of paper and cleaning and conserving frames and other artwork accessories. We use advanced techniques—chemical and mechanical cleaning, retouching, and varnishing—to repair damage and restore artworks to their former glory.

Our highly trained conservators work closely with clients, providing thorough assessments and customized restoration plans tailored to each artwork’s needs. We serve private collectors and handle pieces from all periods and styles. Our team is dedicated to preserving and restoring artworks so future generations can appreciate their beauty and heritage.

The fine Art restoration project 

Artist: John Miller (1931-2002)              Title: Cutting Reeds size: 53.5cm x 30.5cm.

Over the years, we have completed many exemplary art restoration projects. Recently, a client required a home visit to view an early John Miller landscape painting stored in their loft. At first sight, the original painting appeared to require a general cleaning service, but after further examination, I discovered fine cracks in a different section of the picture that needed attention.

ICAS report for an original John Miller canvas painting.

Careful examination of the painting:

The canvas on an old stretcher bar was crinkled and weakened with age.

The top paint layer showed signs of flaking & stretch cracks appeared on the surface.

The ageing of varnish, yellowing, dullness, and loss of clarity show that the painting has deteriorated over time. 

Restoration process :

We first remove the old varnish coating from the original artist’s paint.

Slowly clean the oil paint layer with chemicals.

Strengthening the canvas with new canvas relining support. 

Retouching with artist’s oil paint, remove all fine hairline cracks across the picture. 

I re-stretched the canvas onto the new wooden stretcher bars and finished applying two coats of the artist’s varnish.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to visit our gallery, or we can meet with you to discuss your requirements. 

FINE ART SERVICES

Our team of highly qualified fine art restorers has extensive experience restoring paintings to their original state. We specialise in restoring works on paper and canvas, covering original pieces from the 17th to the 21st centuries.

Our comprehensive art restoration service includes cleaning, restoration, and varnishing. We provide expert advice and guidance at every step throughout the restoration process. We begin with a free initial inspection to evaluate the painting’s condition and determine the necessary work. A small fee is charged for a more detailed assessment.

Additionally, we offer a convenient collection and delivery service to your home after the restoration.

Our painting restoration services include:

– Assessment and appraisal reports

– Cleaning and restoration of canvas paintings

– Cleaning and restoration of works on paper paintings

– Restoration of modern paintings

– Canvas relining

– Canvas re-stretching: We offer canvas stretching services using high-quality artistic stretchers made to any standard or non-standard size, including extra-large formats (with supporting crossbar structure). We also provide various framing services, including stretching for textiles such as batik, embroidery, tapestries, needlework, scarves, and clothes. We offer re-stretching of canvases onto a new stretcher or for artwork purchased abroad, which is often rolled for ease of transport.

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