Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 15
had been affected negatively, especially due the curtain
being exposed from the warmth and humidity of a packed
theatre to being lifted into the cold dark void above
thus being exposed to another environmental scenario
altogether.
Chroma Conservation Ltd. specialises in the care and
conservation of decorative painted surfaces from fine art
wall painting, easel painting, architectural polychromatic
and gilded surfaces, stone and plaster as well as decorative
objects.
The safety curtain was lightly brushed and carefully
vacuumed to remove surface dust and then dry cleaned
using Akapad (Wishab) sponges which are made of
vulcanized latex and by gently rubbing the surface remove
the soiling and revive the soft chalky distemper layer of
paint. All areas of flaking paint were then consolidated
and paint losses were retouched.
We are passionate about preserving the painted past and
are fortunate to work in the finest historic interiors from
the early Mediaeval to the splendid Georgian styles of the
Baroque, Neo Classical and Regency leading to Victorian
Neo Gothic and right up to 20th Century Bloomsbury
Set, Art Deco and that of the Modernists.
We also operate in an advisory role and offer expert
consultation that includes condition surveys and documentation. Should your project require laboratory or
environmental investigation to provide an informed
conservation strategy, we have excellent relationships
with leading complimentary investigators to fulfil such
requirements.
Previous crude repairs were removed and replaced whilst
areas of missing decoration were reconstructed using
casein paints to reintegrate the illustration. The paint
system used ensures that the treatment is reversible and
stable and the corrections to the mechanism mean that
the surface of the painting no longer rubs on the wall
above.
It was a real privilege for the conservators at Chroma
Conservation to work on this exuberant and incredibly
precious work of art, painted by a very talented son
of Northampton. It is unique to the beautiful Royal
Theatre and has been thoughtfully conserved for future
generations and performances.
Below, details of the curtain
Opposite, paint palette
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