Easel painting restoration in Paris
Cleaning and varnish removal, tear repair, flattening and re-tensioning, consolidation, relining, retouching. Minimal, reversible and documented treatments, respectful of the work and of its history.
Seven treatments, one principle: act only where it is needed
Every painting starts with a condition report. It decides which treatments are useful, and nothing more.
-
Learn moreCleaning: surface dirt and varnish removal
Removing grime and yellowed varnish to recover the original colours and light.
-
Learn moreTear repair
Thread-by-thread mending, inlays and filling of losses, without altering the original.
-
Learn moreFlattening
Dents, creases, buckling and stretcher marks are eased out without stressing the paint.
-
Learn moreRe-tensioning
Slack canvas, tired stretcher: re-stretching, new keys or a new keyed stretcher.
-
Learn moreConsolidation
Flaking and lifting paint is laid down again before it falls.
-
Learn moreRelining
A new canvas glued to the back, only when the original can no longer carry the paint.
-
Learn moreRetouching
Reintegration of the losses only, after matching the original colours.
How a restoration unfolds
From the appointment to the return of the painting, you know at every step what is done and why.
- 1
Appointment at the studio
You book a slot online and bring the painting. First observations on its condition, with you.
- 2
Thorough examination and estimate
Examination of the support, the paint layer and the varnish, at the studio. The detailed, free estimate is sent to you within a few days.
- 3
Tests and treatment
Solubility tests, then minimal treatment with stable, reversible materials.
- 4
Retouching and final varnish
Reintegration of the losses, protective varnish. You receive the before and after photos.
- 5
Return and advice
Advice on hanging and care: light, humidity, handling.
An open studio, in the heart of the Village Suisse
Founded by Isabelle Li, the studio is set in the Village Suisse, beside the Champ-de-Mars, among antique dealers and galleries. People bring a family painting as readily as a collector’s piece, and the work can be followed through the window.
Traditional know-how sits alongside today’s tools: temperature-controlled heated spatula, worktable, pure pigments for retouching.
What we commit to, for every painting
Minimal intervention
We intervene only where necessary, with proven techniques, to respect the original work and ensure lasting results.
Reversibility
All our treatments are reversible: a conservator will be able, tomorrow, to undo our work without harm to the painting.
Stable, suitable materials
Varnishes, adhesives, fillers and retouching colours are chosen for their stability over time and their compatibility with the original.
Documentation
Every step is photographed. You receive a report of what was done, and why.
Understanding before restoring
What a painting is, how it is examined and how to keep it: a few pages that shed light on our choices.
The condition report
How we examine a painting before any treatment.
Learn moreThe paint layer
What a painting is made of, layer by layer.
Learn moreFrom panel to canvas
Painting supports and their weaknesses.
Learn moreCaring for a painting at home
Light, humidity, hanging: prevent rather than restore.
Learn moreThey entrusted us with their paintings. Our clients’ reviews are published on Google; they are independent of this site.
Read the reviews on GoogleBring your painting: thorough examination and free estimate
Book a slot online during the studio’s opening hours. We examine the painting with you and give you a free estimate, without obligation. You receive a confirmation email.
- A 30-minute slot, Monday to Saturday, 10am–1:30pm and 3pm–7pm.
- First observations with you, then a thorough examination at the studio.
- A written, free estimate, sent within a few days.