Category Archives: CAUTIONS

Modern Textile Art is Often Not Created for Conservation

Posted on August 6, 2018 by dkatiepowellart

One of the biggest challenges in conservation is when the artists were not thinking about their pieces being loved and collected, and eventually, cleaned and conserved, and work in mediums that are experimental (as in the case of early acrylics). … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, art, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, decorative motifs, painted objects, preservation, reparation, restoration techniques, textiles | Tagged #blackhistory, #pacificnorthwest, #portlandoregon, #tentstitch, #textileconservation, #textilerestoration, artist, Chicago, embroidery, Ken Ellis, textile art, the Shore Family | Leave a comment

How to Talk to an Artisan or Contractor

Posted on August 7, 2017 by dkatiepowellart

*this teaching moment applies to many types of situations… nothing here intended to be derogatory — just silly sweeping generalizations and fiction!* You have a lovely valuable antique (above) worth $5000 that needs work. Here are several scenarios and what … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, preservation, reparation, restoration techniques | Tagged conservation techniques, Furniture Conservation, Furniture Restoration, MPF Conservation, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Portland Oregon, preservation, process, reparation, restoration, restoration techniques, Upholstery Portland Oregon | 2 Comments

All Hide Glues are NOT Equal

Posted on June 13, 2017 by dkatiepowellart

Not all commercial hide glues are equal. We want to make sure you are using the good stuff, even for a temporary repair you may want to make on your own furniture. Also, a furniture repair person may say they … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, preservation, reparation, restoration techniques, wooden objects | Tagged hide glue, traditional wodworking, wooden object conservation | 4 Comments

Process: Circus Ball!

Posted on August 24, 2015 by dkatiepowellart

The thing I love most about our business is that you never know what is going to roll into our studio for treatment! Earlier this year, a new client sent the images below, along with the image of his aunt … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, history, Interim Report, painted furniture, preservation, process, reparation, restoration techniques, wooden objects | Tagged balance ball, circus ball, damage from chemical strips, dip and strip, no chemical stripping, repair, restoration | 2 Comments

Taking Care of Your Antique Quilt

Posted on June 6, 2014 by dkatiepowellart

Rule #1: When in doubt, ask a conservator before proceeding. Most conservators will offer assessments at a low rate, and an hour of their time might save your heirloom. You can find a conservator in the USA here: https://www.culturalheritage.org/about-conservation/find-a-conservator A … Continue reading →

Posted in CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, mold, reparation, restoration techniques, textiles | Tagged cigar quilt, cleaning, crazy quilt, foxing, humidity, mold, Oregon, pests, Portland, Portland Oregon, quilt care, quilts, repair, storage, sunlight, Textile conservation, Victorian | 1 Comment

Quilts as a Microcosm of History

Posted on June 5, 2014 by dkatiepowellart

I am sure that more eloquent history writers than I have written on the role of quilts as historical objects. I want to share my perspective on the single object that we: see the most distress over condition issues, even … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, decorative motifs, history, musings, preservation, textiles | Tagged crazy quilt, embroidery, fabric, family heirlooms, flowers, Hoyt, Ken Ellis, Oregon, Portland, Portland Oregon, spiders, Textile conservation, the Shore Family, Victorian | 4 Comments

S is for Shellac Varnish Damage: A-to-Z Challenge

Posted on April 22, 2014 by MPFConservation

Damage to traditional shellac varnishes — original varnishes made from shellac, and possibly with additional resins such as dammar, etc. — is often preventable. We see several common and preventable mistakes owners make over and over again. Before stripping, call … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, preservation, reparation, restoration techniques, shellac, traditional varnishes, waxes, wooden objects | Tagged antique care, antique shellac varnish, caring for your treasure, damage | 2 Comments

L is for Lead: A-to-Z-Challenge

Posted on April 14, 2014 by dkatiepowellart

Let’s talk about lead as in lead paint, shown right in a Mason Monterey Horseshoe-back Chair, especially in the cream, yellow, and greens. While we are at it, let’s talk about toxic pigments in antique or vintage paints. We love … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, CAUTIONS, conservation techniques, painted furniture, pigments, restoration techniques, traditional varnishes | Tagged Furniture Conservation, Furniture Restoration, Mason Monterey, painted furniture | Leave a comment

Mixing Rhoplex™ and Micro-crystalline Balloons Teaches Patience!

Posted on March 21, 2014 by dkatiepowellart

Just a short post of the wonder of mixing micro-crystalline balloons into Rhoplex™. Whenever I do this I have to slow way down, and practice patience, which is not one of my virtues. Currently we have this lovely Louis XIV … Continue reading →