Elementen van Huizen

Object: Acrylic or alkyd on canvas on plywood

Title: Elementen van Huizen (Elements of Houses)

Artist: Lode Pemmelaar (1942-1997)

Date: 1978-80

Dimenstions: 12 panels of varying shapes and sizes, ensemble: 270 x 720 cm

Collection: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, Amersfoort

• Surface accretions

• Scuff marks

• Scratches and dents

• Small tears and frayed edges

Goal: to improve the aesthetics and the physical integrity of the painting.

1. Surface cleaning

   Given the geometric painting style, it is important to remove the surface accretions to restore the visual unity of the big blocks of colour. Added merits of surface cleaning include mitigating further degradations, like moisture attraction.

2. Scuff mark removal

   Aesthetically, the distracting scuff marks need to be removed to restore uniform colours. The challenge lies in removing the scuff marks without compromising the original varnish underneath.

3. Structural reinforcement

   Some areas in the canvas support show signs of deformation and structural failure. They need to be treated to ensure the long-term physical integrity of the painting(s). Humidity chambers will be involved to treat areas of deformation.

4. Consolidation and fills

   Loose components, including paint losses and loose threads, need to be consolidated to prevent failure in structural integrity. Uneven surfaces, like scratches and paint losses, will be filled to ensure a levelled surface for visual reintegration.

5. Retouching

   Fills will be retouched for a complete and imitative reintegration campaign.

6. Installation

   With the help of thorough art historical and archival research, it has been determined that the paintings were originally created as one installation.