Client Trust & Restoration Insights

Client Testimonials

Nothing speaks to the quality of our conservation work like the feedback from our clients. We take pride in restoring both the monetary and the sentimental value of your treasured artworks.

“Enclosed please find cheque for restoration of old family picture. It almost moved me to tears to see something that I had viewed from my very early years restored so beautifully. I am the little girl with the ringlets. I am now almost 83. You have done a beautiful job of restoration – I am so grateful.”

— G.T.

“I am most pleased with your restoration work and to have my ‘lady’ up on the wall again – she creates a lot of interest. Many thanks again.”

— J.D.G.

“When I was a child she used to hang in my parents lounge, they were smokers as you can imagine. I always thought her dress was yellow! When I saw her for the first time cleaned I couldn’t believe the difference. Thank you again for your fantastic work.”

— C.Z.

“I am thrilled with the results! Your work on the damaged print is truly amazing! I know the cracks must have been a difficult task, but you made the print look so much better. The crack is nowhere near as visible now and the image looks a lot less fragile! And as for the reprint, it is overwhelmingly gorgeous! … These are truly some of my fondest and rarest Marilyn treasures, so I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me.”

— D.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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General & Insurance
  • Do you handle insurance work? Yes. We restore many artworks damaged by water, fire, or transit. You can either contact us directly or connect with us via your insurance company. Please note: Fees for formal quotations supplied directly to insurance companies may apply.
  • My painting has sentimental value only. Will you still be able to help? Absolutely. While a painting may not be worth a huge amount at auction, its sentimental value as a family heirloom is paramount. By taking care of your picture now, you enable future generations to enjoy the artwork. All pieces are treated professionally and respectfully.
  • Is it worth restoring? If the painting lacks sentimental value and you are concerned about the investment size, we recommend having the painting appraised prior to bringing it to our studio.
Assessment & Cost
  • Do you offer free online assessments and informal quotes? Yes, we are happy to provide a free online assessment when multiple detailed photos and dimensions are supplied. Alternatively, you can bring the artwork to our studio or one of our clinics. If we need to travel to your home to inspect or pick up art works, a fee may apply, which is then deducted from the total cost of restoration.
  • Do you charge for a formal written quotation? Written assessment quotations and estimates will incur a small fee, which is later deducted from the final invoice when the work goes ahead.
  • Do I need to pay a deposit first? Estimates for restoration procedures over NZ$500 require a 50% deposit before work begins.
Process & Logistics
  • How long will it take? We work on many pictures concurrently to allow for necessary drying time between work processes. We attend to each piece in the order it arrives. After initial examination, we will be able to give you an approximate timeframe. The major cost of any restoration work is time, as procedures are meticulous and cannot be rushed.
  • Can a hole in a picture be restored? Yes. In our many years of working as art restorers, we have repaired all sorts of damage, from canvas tears to puncture wounds. We assess each ailment individually to determine the most careful and effective treatment plan.
  • Will the picture have to come out of the frame? Yes, usually. To properly clean the surface and carry out work on the support layer, we need to disassemble the picture and its framing. We reassemble all parts after completion. We can also arrange for professional re-framing if requested.
  • Will the restoration work damage the painting? No. All restoration procedures are carefully selected to be reversible without loss to the original artwork, ensuring its integrity and value remain intact.
  • Can my artwork be sent by courier? Yes. Approximately half of the artwork that arrives at our studio is sent by courier. We have used many different agencies without issue. Please see Packaging & Shipping for advice on packaging .
  • Contact us if you specifically need us to arrange a courier

Tips on Caring for Your Artwork

Protecting your restored artwork from deterioration is crucial. Here are key environmental factors to monitor:

Where to Hang Your Painting

Humidity, temperature, and light are the three most important considerations.

  • Avoid:
    • Direct Sunlight and UV: Lighting that emits UV light or excessive heat will cause pigments and dyes to fade or discolour over time. Ensure windows have tinting to reduce UV damage.
    • Temperature Extremes: Lofts, attics, basements, and garages are highly unstable environments.
    • High Humidity Spots: Bathrooms and laundry rooms are high humidity areas that can promote mold and structural damage.
    • Air Vents: Areas near air conditioning, heat pump outlets, or wall heaters cause rapid temperature and humidity fluctuations.
    • Outside Walls: These walls have greater temperature fluctuations. Hang on internal walls where possible.
    • Pollutants: Areas near a fireplace or where people smoke deposit harmful airborne particles onto the surface of the art.

Lighting & Temperature

Lights produce heat that could damage the artwork over time. Use filtered light sources whenever possible.

Humidity

The ideal environment for most artworks is 30–40% relative humidity. Excessive humidity (too high or too low) causes canvas to contract and expand, leading to cracks and structural damage.