Rosalind Whitehouse
Profile of Rosalind Whitehouse
Recent Projects
Consolidation of flaking paint
Removal of grime, varnish, overpaint
East Anglia, United Kingdom
Studio of Rosalind Whitehouse,
Accredited Paintings Conservator - Restorer
Conservation and restoration of European oil paintings from 1500 to the present day, offering in addition a specialist knowledge and experience of the work of many twentieth century painters.
Examination of individual artworks and production of written conservation reports
Sometimes an experienced conservator can inspect a painting in normal light and be clear about its condition. More often, purpose-made lighting and the other equipment in the studio are needed in order to make such judgments.
Small cleaning tests are sometimes made in order to assess the extent and nature of surface coatings. On some occasions, the services of a Conservation Scientist are called upon to discover the nature of materials used and the sequence of their use. In this way cases of doubtful originality of paint or signatures can be clarified, and parameters for dating established. Such investigations assist the conservator in selecting procedures and materials to use in removing grime, overpaint, and varnish layers.
Findings are written-up in a systematic way, followed by recommendations for treatment.
In most cases this can be costed and an estimate given in advance. In other cases, the full extent of damage is hidden. At such times, broader cost parameters may be considered.
After receiving the Conservation Report, the customer has time and opportunity to consider the estimates and to make a decision about treatment.
It is sometimes possible to arrive at a compromise level of treatment which does not prejudice the possibility of adding more restoration work at a later date.