Accidents happen and paintings get torn. This particular accident caused a small slice in a painting that needed repairs. Now, there are a few possible options restorers use for painting repairs. Sewing it together isn’t an option for this piece (the stitch will be visible). Adding a wax patch on the back can be done but it could become visible over time. So, We used, and typically prefer, a method called bridging. Using a conservation-grade adhesive, pieces of canvas or linen are attached to both sides of the torn section in a cohesive pattern, nearly naked to the human eye. In comparison, the stitch would not be a cohesive pattern, but rigid and obvious.
Bridging keeps the canvas pieces together like a band-aid would, allowing the section to be filled on the front and touched up to match. Our goal is for it to look like nothing ever happened to the painting. That being said, the painting was torn and that is part of its’ history, making it unique.
The bridging on the back will be visible to anyone who peers behind the canvas but not to anyone viewing the front of the canvas. Damage can’t be erased but it can be restored. Restoring art and collectibles is a challenging, yet very rewarding career. Restoration affords future admirers the privilege of enjoying antiques and family heirlooms, just like this painting, for generations to come.
Do you or someone you know need photos, paintings, statues or collectibles, repaired or cleaned? Contact Back in the Frame Art Restoration today to get your artwork back in the frame!
