Overview:

The pieces were cleaned of their unoriginal dark surface coating, the unstable pest channels were consolidated, the pieces were reunited and adhered to their proper locations, and fills were made and toned to match. The treatment was successful and the overmantle is now safely displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Before Treatment

During Treatment

During Treatment (pieces adhered)

Images below are selected from the full treatment report. Please check back soon for the full treatment report!

X-Radiograph showcasing original and modern nails as well as the presense of a lead based paint around the upper edges.

Removal of the dark surface coating

Consolidation of the weakened wood due to extensive wood boring insect damage

Repairs and fills

Completed overmantle on view

To learn more about this project, listen to Jonathan Tavares, curator of Applied Arts of Europe, joined in conversation with Lisa Ackerman, associate conservator of objects, to share insights into the two-year conservation project to restore Grinling Gibbons’s limewood overmantel.