The Chickens Roost Again! Fine Restoration Spotlight 2025

Painted between the mid 1700s and early 1800s, this painting has been in the client's family for at least a generation. Though restored about a century ago, it later suffered damage after years of being stored in a basement.

When the artwork arrived at the studio, the lower portion of the canvas showed extensive water damage and paint loss. The earlier restoration had included a relining, but that lining was beginning to fail, pulling away from the original canvas.

Decades of exposure left the surface heavily obscured by grime, oxidized varnish, and layers of soot likely from fireplace smoke, candle use, and even tobacco.

Each layer of varnish, soot, and grime was removed to reveal the original paint beneath.

The restoration began by carefully removing the weakened lining and transferring the artwork onto a new, stable lining for long-term preservation.
Cleaning revealed just how many layers of varnish and grime had accumulated over time. Each layer was methodically reduced using conservation-grade solvents and techniques, bringing the painting back to its original tone and balance.

Significant areas of paint loss, especially along the bottom three inches and parts of the midsection, required careful reconstruction. Missing sections were filled and in painted.

To complete the restoration, the painting was re-varnished using a modern conservation-grade varnish. Unlike the varnish used in the original restoration, this formula will not oxidize or yellow. This painting is now ready for the next generation to enjoy.

----The Signs Your Painting Needs Professional Attention---
Yellowed or cloudy surface: Old varnish can darken, giving the artwork a yellow or brown cast.
Cracked or brittle varnish: A fine web of cracks in the protective layer.
Patchy gloss: Some areas shine while others look matte, showing the surface isn’t uniform anymore.
Flaking or lifting paint: Small curls or chips of paint breaking away.
Visible mold, water stains, or smoke damage.
Warped canvas or sagging stretcher.

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