[frameconnews] Re: Anyone there? (Q. about warped painting)

["Elizabeth Jablonski" <ejablonski@hotmail.com>]

Dear TH,

You have described the condition and materials of the painting on board 
quite well.  I would highly suggest that you take it to a trained, 
experienced paintings conservator.  Many countries have national 
organizations for conservation that can recommend conservators in your area.

It would take the experience of a professional to reverse or reduce the warp 
in the painting support because of the individual natures of the materials 
involved.  Most likely, the following types of materials exist in this 
painting, from the inside out:  acidic wood pulp cardboard, glue or gesso, 
canvas, paper, ground, paint (could be oil, acrylic, enamel, casein, 
distemper, any combination of the above, etc.), varnish, surface dirt, and 
any material introduced during a previous restoration. All of these 
materials react quite differently to the surrounding environment--for 
example, some materials expand, while others contract with humidity in the 
air, creating internal stresses which cause warping and cracking throughout 
the piece.  If the painting were put under pressure, the paint could crack 
and the board could split.  A conservator will be able to tell the extend of 
the degredation of the materials and determine which treatment is most 
appropriate.

Elizabeth Jablonski
Paintings Conservation Intern


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