Art Conservation and Painting Restoration

I’m posting the lecture I delivered last week at St. Paul University, Manila. This affair was organized to celebrate the birth month of Carlos “Botong” Francisco and to share his life and works.

 
 
Today I will discuss a very timely and important topic – art conservation. I know everyone understands what conservation is, but our knowledge of conservation often dwells on environmental issues such as deforestation, erosion, air pollution and contamination of water and the greenhouse effect. There is definitely nothing wrong with that, if only art and art conservation were given more attention and importance as well.

I do recognize the efforts of government and private institutions, but we as private individuals should involve ourselves in the preservation of our country’s art and culture. Our involvement can only happen if we have a better understanding of what art is and how much physical effort and creative energies had been invested and continue to be invested by our very own Filipino painters, sculptors, potters, carvers, and craftsmen.
 
St. Paul University has involved itself in art conservation by restoring its Botong Francisco mural, an artwork that deserves a second chance. I salute St. Paul University and its community of sisters, officers, students and alumni for their determination to bring back the mural to its former glory.
 
What is art conservation?

Art conservation is defined by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, as the profession devoted to the preservation of cultural property for the future. Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care, supported by research and education. 
 
The practice of art conservation is actively implemented more than ever by many institutions around the world because it is less expensive, non-invasive, and easier to adopt in museums, art galleries, libraries, and archives. The conservation and preservation of art (monuments, sites, structures, buildings, museums that houses different kinds of collections, libraries, art galleries) is not only the responsibility of a few people. It is also the responsibility of the immediate members of a community living and working within that area to protect and preserve whatever form of art exists even at the barangay level. In fact it should start at that level.
 
It is a practice in many advanced nations to impose strict rules and policies related to traffic movement, constructions of factories, dumpsites and other establishments that can have adverse effects on important collections, structures, and sites. I hope this will happen soon in our country.
 
Conservation focuses on correcting and stabilizing an environment where an item or a collection of items or objects is exhibited or stored. This is accomplished by gathering data and information on several factors namely: temperature, humidity or moisture content in the air, quality of air, air flow or movement, light intensity and illumination, building structure, storage and storage facilities. All of these factors are studied and analyzed and a conservation plan is developed and implemented.
 
In the case of the Botong Francisco mural, many discussions took place between the restoration team and St. Paul University represented by Ms. Wynna Medina and Sr. Flordeliza Deza. The team checked the auditorium lobby where the mural had been displayed before it was taken down for restoration. We took note of the busy street along Pedro Gil, the traffic, the intensity of natural light and the quality of air in the surrounding area.
 
After a thorough assessment and analysis, objects are then grouped according to the degree of deterioration or damage. Those that are dirty and dusty are cleaned. Items that have been attacked by molds are quarantined and fumigated and the environment stabilized by the constant monitoring of temperature and humidity. Special machines such as a humidifier of dehumidifier may be installed. A thermo-hygrometer is also an important instrument to invest in so that there is regular reading of temperature and humidity. Areas that are positive for pests or insect infestation are referred to pest control specialists. 

Paintings that exhibit a certain degree of fading are protected from strong natural light by hanging curtains or drapes or are removed and displayed in other areas with a north-south orientation. Incandescent bulbs with low wattage or ultra-violet filters are used to minimize the effects of light on artworks, since constant exposure to light also causes paintings, textile and paper to become brittle. Light has a cumulative effect and the minute changes in an artwork are irreversible.
 
Severely deteriorated objects are put aside for restoration. What does restoration mean? Art restoration is an attempt to bring back an object or work of art as near as possible to its original state using standard and acceptable scientific procedures. Restoring an artwork means lengthening its lifespan. Its beauty is revealed again. Its historical importance is defined and its artistic value gains respect and admiration.   
 
A severely deteriorated artwork such as a painting can exhibit the following physical damage or alterations. These are:
 
1. A fine network of cracks or an extensive network of wide cracks
2. Dark spots or stains that are the result of mold growth
3. Blanching or white hazy colors on the surface caused by the reaction of the paint pigments to moisture
4. Blooms or the light bluish or cloudy haze on the varnish. Again this is a reaction as moisture is trapped under the varnish layer
5. Tears, abrasion and holes caused by accidents, improper handling, poor storage, or even destruction of the canvas by pests
6. Stains or water marks caused by accidental spillage of beverages or other liquids
7. Dents, warping and distortions on the textile
8. Flaking or paint losses
9. Aged varnish that darkens the whole composition
10. A weak and severely deteriorated painting support