Customer Reviews

Conservation of Paintings: National Gallery Pocket Guide (National Gallery London Publications)

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The `Conservation of Paintings' is undoubtedly one of the best books about the restoration of paintings I have ever read. It is an authentic jewel for it gives you a general approach to the restoration techniques, yet it gives the reader perfect and unique examples from which one can understand better the various restoration techniques and situations.

Constructed with easy to follow format with unique and detailed colour plates, this book is undoubtedly one of the best books on Restoration for begginers. Because of its authenitic characteristics, user friendliness and enormous amounts of up-to-date information, I consider this Pocket Guide to be a real Jewel.

I am a conservator, and often find that what non-conservators think about conservation is dreadfully inaccurate. Until I saw this book, I though that there wasn't anything I could recommend that is technically accurate, straightforward, and clear. This book is all those things, with very clear illustrations - and no politicking. Everyone who owns or works with paintings, including curators, should have a copy.
Barbara Appelbaum

I purchased this book when I found an old oil painting that needed cleaning. The book really did not address that problem but instead provided a fascinating read about how the British National Gallery cares for and manages their priceless collection of art. This little booklet (80 pages long) gives a narative of various problems the gallery has run into with artwork (like lifting paint, discolored varnish, etc.) and then tells how their conservators solved it. It has terrific pictures of many paintings in various stages of restoration. I had no idea that there was such science and equipment (like a "low pressure suction table"--who knew?) behind painting conservation at the highest levels. Not a book for amateurs (like me) who want tips on cleaning removing grime from a family treasure, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.