The narration of the video be like, "I soon came to realize that there was no way to fix this former attempt at conservation, and if i truly wanted this piece to shine, i would have to fight the problem at its conception"
@@Simon-ho6ly the joke of the comment is this op has no idea what it even means much less why you would keep the strainer and is making a joke about how they act like they do
I never thought I'd be frustrated by a person i don't know choosing to not use a stretcher for a painting. You're building an army of novice conservators lol
I'd say an army of armchair conservators, but I doubt we'd do a better job of conserving antique chairs than the past "conservator(s)" did with this painting :'D
@@Soken50 well I dunno. I think we'd have enough good sense to try and clean it. But I could also see myself clumsily doing it too hard and skinning the painting or using the wrong solvent. That's harder to fix.
SO. FRUSTRATING. What is the point of hiring a professional if you don't LISTEN to them? Especially about something as fundamental as structural integrity? ARGH.
@@yelsamarani could be because almost everysingle commission he gets is because the previous did a bad job so hes just tired of it But i dont usually hear him degrade them, just question their personal choices
@@yelsamarani he has praised a few… mostly ones he had done and returned for maintenance or additional repairs (I think he praised one that wasn’t his once) lol
@@notead Pfft! I repeat: Pfft! How dare some critical, trash-talking, persnickety conservator insult the honor of our hero, Julian? If I had a glove, a rapier and any fighting skill whatsoever, I would at first demand an apology. If they should foolishly refuse to apologize, then I would not hesitate to throw down the gauntlet and demand satisfaction on Julian’s behalf. I understand most duels are customarily fought at dawn but unfortunately, I will need a little time to acquire not only the equipment but the skill necessary to proceed.
I wonder at the prospect, in 100 years time, of a conservator analyzing inferior conservator materials and techniques we use today. I like that Julian kindly reminds us that past painters and conservators worked with the materials they had, taking exceptions only to impatient and shoddy application techniques.
I completely understand the satisfaction of peeling off the lining canvas in long strips. About 10 years ago I help restore a historic barn - Round Barn in Arcadia OK. Our first task was to remove the paint. The side of the barn, where the paint had not been baked into the wood siding came off in 4+ foot strips. We were all competing to see who could strip off the longest piece. One of my coworkers stripped off a piece that was nearly 6 feet long.
Years ago I helped do some cleanup in a historic building that needed extensive cleanup after a couple decades of neglect, and part of that cleanup involved removing the old plaster and lath. While the superintendent’s apartment had a double layer that could only be persuaded loose by steady pounding with a ten pound sledgehammer, part of the dormitory wing had plaster and lath so loose that you could punch a hole with a regular hammer and then pull multiple pieces of lath loose and knock down dinner plate sized chunks of plaster with just your gloved hands.
This post right here helps me understand why we have people with so many varieties of jobs and interests in our Juliann fan club. We all find satisfaction in these kind of actions. We need a Baumgartner-con! 💕🐝💕🇺🇸
I also understand that satisfaction so very well, sometimes I also have the opportunity to experiment that same satisfaction, and it's so good when it happens 🙂🙂👌👍
I remember going to that barn. You were there and we spoke spoke for a short time. It wasn't long before it became apparent that there was something going on between the two of us. You moved closer to me, the longer we spoke, then when you were almost mouth-to-mouth with me, you leaned in for a kiss. I was taken aback, and yet, it's what I had always wanted. You awoke something deep inside of me. Long story short, we made love for hours and when our rear ends were as raw as ground beef, we said our goodbyes, and went back to our lives. I never said anything to my wife, and when she died, she whispered to me "I know what you are". It seems like I always knew, and always knew about her indiscretions, in kind. Anyway, what were we talking about. Oh yeah, that was a cool barn. I saw a corncob packrat nest in there one time.
When I saw her eyes at the beginning - I felt they were sad and tired eyes. However, as you did your work, I could see a change in her eyes and expression. Oh, I am so looking forward to seeing the finished conservation!!
this video was somewhat different. More details and explanations, I really liked. When I think it can't get any better you surprise me, what a great work, conservating and videomaking
this man has got me through many mental breakdowns. his voice is just so calming and his whole mentality of "it will take time and it will take work but there's no way around it so i will get through it"
"You can lead a horse to water...but you can't stop him from being an ass." That's what I heard when you explained they wouldn't let you add a stretcher. I'm glad you saved her; she was someones daughter, wife, mother, maybe grandmother. And she looks like a very nice lady too.
"It's a testament to the fish gelatin and washi kozo" No dude. Those are just tools. It's a testament to your skill and dedication to your craft. Another fantastic video!
Cannot wait for Part Two! I do have to say that whenever Julien opens up a tool drawer, I feel the need to reorganize my kitchen “junk drawer”. Anyone else?
Lyndsey! I so agree. And, honestly, I could listen to Julien read out the telephone book with his mellifluous tones. Well, Allan Ryckman first but unfortunately he is gone so … Julien is an excellent second. But the entire life thing I can apply to “The Archive de Shame” which is my basement in which I store the detritus of my life. Labelled. In clear plastic containers. Piled high because I know if I were to turf something within a week I would find a use for it. There is no hope for me. But Julien? The glorious and neatly and simplistically organized work space he has established is a work of art in itself. Can’t wIt for Part Two!
Jennifer Li! Well, the shame has a lot to do with the dizzying number of labelled containers that inhabit the space which brings to mind that last scene in “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” when the aforementioned Ark has been sealed in a labelled crate. We watch in horror as the Ark is wheeled past rows and rows of similar crates piled high, the contents of which have been utterly forgotten. The worker turns left with the Ark on his trolley and quickly it disappears and we know that it will be lost yet again …. That pretty much sums up “The Archive de Shame”. I recently rediscovered a wooden chest that houses “The Archive de Sweaters” but that is a story for another time.
@@rileydoolittle5324 So exactly the point I adressed in my comment, which is that rubbing across something slightly hot but bearable to the touch is bloody painful, moreso if you also apply pressure to remove wrinkles.
I was thinking _Her eyes are _*_begging_*_ you to remove that old overpaint, Julian!_ Because it was obvious how large the area over both brows was, I was shocked when he revealed how small the actual damaged area was hiding underneath. What a bizarre thing to do to such a beautiful painting! She definitely was looking relieved when he finally undid that travesty. 🤭
As a creative myself I understand how frustrating it can be when you suggest something (because you're trained and experienced) but the client decides to go in another direction and you have to let go of how it should be and settle with what they want.
It's great to see significant amounts of original paint under the overpaint! Every speck of the original paint is glorious... I so wish I had your education and job, can't think of a better, more relaxing place to work, than in your studio!
that is true, challenges are imperative to a fulfilling life, but i can’t imagine julian’s job being entirely relaxing and stress free when we’ve seen that that isn’t the case 😂
@@beccalouise2496 I would take his job over any occupation I've ever seen! Quiet, spacious, self motivated, artistic, challenging, thought provoking, and the necessity to only deal with others on a case by case, basis... As long as there's AC and heat, a little bit of coffee, and a nice deli nearby, I'd gladly spend the rest of my days there! He's a very lucky man...
Having merely an appreciation for art but no knowledge whatsoever on art conservation or the numerous considerations and processes that it involves, your channel has given me a wonderful new point of view every time I visit an art museum. I visited the Portland Museum of Art yesterday and found myself noticing all kinds of details in the frames, varnishes and paint layers that I just wouldn't have considered before subscribing to this channel. I want to thank you for your incredible content on behalf of all us amateur art appreciators out there for whom you've shed light on a largely overlooked facet of the art world, and in doing so spreading awareness of the critical significance, complexity, and invisible artistry that goes into conserving these beautiful pieces for people like myself to enjoy in museums and galleries the world over for centuries to come. Thank you Julian, your videos are truly golden tacks in a sea of rusty staples!
@@roiblack8587 Well, unless my eyes were pulling a fast on me, when I first read your comment, the word linen was spelled "Linnen". I notice that your comment shows (edited). Did you edit before or after reading my comment? :0D
"we say goodbye to our countess. we'll see her again later" i love the way julian talks about the people in portraits. It's a lovely reminder that these were real people
He sounds calm and collected but you can tell he’s hella pissed with the last conservator! Love the passion and attention to details. Long time watcher, and now a subscriber!
When I see am old, yellowed, faded portrait I always think you can see how the people are forgotten. The knowledge of them fades as the colors do. That's why I love what you do so much. You revive them, you bring them back ❤️😊
I tell you what, if Magellan had a documentary series on the actual old handmade methods for making washi kozo, fish gelatin, rabbit skin glue, old school varnishes and any of the other products Julian encounters, I'd subscribe and watch it repeatedly. I've now reached a point where I also want to understand the origin end of the process: how they made these things, how they came up with these things as solutions, and why they chose them instead of something else. I mean, who ever thought outside the box to use a fish product in art conservation?
Eh, isenglass has been used as a glue for millennia- along with hide or hoof glue it was one of the main adhesives of the premodern world. All it really took was someone noticing that fish scales and water made sticky stuff that stopped being sticky when dry.
I love the olde varnish removal and totally agree that it reveals what the artist would want you to see. "Patina" is great for a piece of metal but dirt is dirt.
This was a roller coaster wow.. First of all, I didn’t expect myself to feel so strongly about a client not choosing a stretcher, let alone the anger I felt when the previous “conservator” did such a crap job, damn. Julian, you’re raising an army over here lol
Lets see if i learned something. I'm at 0:56 and these are my predictions of Julian's step by step. First: face the painting with washikozo and fish gelatin glue to avoid any paint detachment. Then, remove any backing/canvas, ideally DRY. If this cannot be achieved dry, use Lapenite or some solvent to try to remove it. Once bare canvas is exposed, saturate the canvas with a diluted conservation grade adhesive to penetrate Through the canvas and secure the paint. Move to the hot table and press with heat in order to reduce wrinkles and allow the paint to become flatter. OR: once the backing is removed, move to the hot table, flatten the painting, then saturate the canvas and then move back to the hot table.
I LOVE how you do your intros, you really make it feel like an adventure we're about to embark on, the weight and meaning you give to the video's title.
i put this video on as background because of the quiet and soothing voice tones. But almost every time, i end up watching raptly as he scraps his scalpel and swirl his swabs.... it is satisfying to watch the painstaking, step by step process. The patience, dedication, and respect is fantastic.
I would volunteer to sit and clean paintings! It so fits my need to hyper focus on something super tedious and time consuming!!! I can not be the only one!!
Miniature models, watch/clock repair, 3D puzzles, electronic instrument assembly, stained glass making, engraving, wood carving, lace making, crochet, needle point, embroidery.....I've always admired people who could do these things. Hyper focus is a real talent!
@@dadaperez1284 Unfortunately, I think for me, it is an undiagnosed adult ADHD with some OCD elements. I once spent hours picking up a box of seed beads that fell into my pile carpet. Sometimes it's a gift, some times it's a curse. (Seed beads = curse / kitchen so clean you can eat off of any surface including floor = not so much of a curse)
There is something extremely satisfying in seeing so many layers put on the original paint removed, and simplifying it to one single layer of filling and retouching. Although vibrant paint at the end may seem as the most rewarding part of the job, for me, it's knowing that the painting is simplified once again to its fundamental parts, and nothing else.
This is a particularly fascinating video, Mr B.,....and I thought, on first seeing the state of this painting, oh, it's SHATTERED, what can he do? But watching your work, I'm seeing what is actually there, what happened to this portrait through past shoddy work....and that. this lovely lady still lives underneath the wreck that was made of her likeness. You're bringing her back, and it's joyous to watch! Cannot wait to see the finish, Mr B! This is so exciting; it's one of the true joys of my life to watch your work. Thank you!
I know I don't have the patience, or expertise, to accomplish something like this, but I am hugely impressed by your to detail, superb craftsmanship, and most of all your sense of wonder and joy when you bring one of these historic snapshots back from the brink. Bravo!
I LOVE the adjusted intro/channel tag!!!!! Beautiful! It includes the best ofwhat you had before, but doesn't hurt my misophonia afflicted ears. Perfect
Here at the beginning I am excited to see such a challenge taken on by (in my estimation) one of the best conservators I have seen work. This is going to be interesting.. Bravo.. once again working your hard won magic.. I can hardly wait for the second part.
I really congratulate you for not having someone filming your work moving right and left, up and down and zooming in and out. That new tendency extremely destroys the observation for the ones that enjoy the detailed work like myself. Excellent restoration work and filming!
Love this painting✨ Can’t wait to see her restored ♥️ I am so aggravated at the ppl who have touched this beautiful lady before 😡 I also don’t understand owners tht can afford to take their paintings to a conservator, but not take their advice…. I have a small painting that I’ve loved for over 25 yrs! If I were able to see a conservator, I would WANT them to tell me the proper way to save it for another 150 years! Can’t wait until we see this lovely lady again, as the artist intended. Ty Julian🌟
Wow! I think this might of been the first painting that cleaning it and removing the varnish, dirt, and grim; made the sitter look several years younger. You're work is incredible!
I love that I've been watching so long I get a kick out of guessing what steps you are going to take and keeping track of how many I can get right! Thanks for teaching us along the way!
Wow I don't know why, but this restauration was extremely interesting and satisfying to watch. Perhaps because there was just a little bit more difference, and the amazing reveal of the varnish, overpaint and fill in medium. Can't wait for part two!
An Apprentice ? I am 60 years young I have been working on oil paintings from the age of 21 years old, I am so glad that there are people doing this to save all the masterpieces . It is so important to keep them for all the Future generation's to see and learn , I thank you for shearing this video
14:43 I always love when people take things like this to experts because the experts know what they are doing, but then don’t listen to the expert’s advice. As if the client all of the sudden became an expert of art restoration and knows more than you do.
I just can't imagine not listening to a professional like Julian if I were to send a painting to be restored. Wanting to keep the strainer, something you won't be seeing and isn't original just seems so weird.
The more I watch your videos, the more I am baffled by how patient you are! On the other hand, I listen to the descriptions you do as I watch you work and we can definitely tell that you just love what you’re doing!
It's amazing seeing how when Julian is cleaning the painting that the original painting has depth and layers. An example; when hes cleaning her eyes, he reveals a beautiful deep blue eye and the dirty side looks flat like there is no life to the eye. Truly a professional conservator.
My comment is coming from someone that knows nothing about paintings but I do appreciate. My late mom was a great painter. But I never thought in a million years I would watch or even come close to wanting too. But here I am and this was a really cool video and like 1 person stated. Who knew there was a art in restoring art. I always do appreciate a good painting. Sometimes if a painting really catches my eye and I get lost in it and form a story in my mind how I see it. But watching this video gave me a new appreciation. Great video
Your channel is terrific. I would never have considered myself an art person but the way you explain what you're doing and the vison of the artist, well it has made me appreciate art and look at painting in a whole new way. Thank you.
At the first view of the paint condition, I knew the washikozo would be making an appearance. She's looking much better even half-done. Can't wait to see the final result.
I love these videos, eye opening on what people come up with to help restore these masterpieces. Just for reference the British Union Jack is actually the Union Flag, it's only called Jack when flying on a ship. Keep up the good work
@@NikolaHoward Interestingly, the United States also has a flag called the union jack. "The union jack is a rectangular blue flag with 50 stars. This flag is flown from a short spar on the bow called a jackstaff. Naval vessels fly it whenever they are at anchor between 8 A.M. and sunset. Pleasure boats fly it only when at anchor on Sundays and holidays and when dressing ship." -- _The Annapolis Book of Seamanship,_ John Rousmaniere, New York, 1989, p. 367
The year is 2055, Julian built a timemachine to have a fistfight with a conservator in the 1900's.
This got me
I'd pay to watch that confrontation. I'd need some serious popcorn supplies, though...
And we all paid to watch
The narration of the video be like, "I soon came to realize that there was no way to fix this former attempt at conservation, and if i truly wanted this piece to shine, i would have to fight the problem at its conception"
And of course he never aged
julian: "unfortunately, we're keeping the strainer"
me, someone who isn't a conservator: "boo! the client needs to make better choices."
I now imagine you angrily throwing popcorn at the screen while shouting this and honestly, I feel it :D
@@mimihopsexactly 😆
@@mimihopsI know I did! Lol
how much is the change, can the client afford it? easy to say someone should make better choices without knowing everything
@@Simon-ho6ly the joke of the comment is this op has no idea what it even means much less why you would keep the strainer and is making a joke about how they act like they do
I never thought I'd be frustrated by a person i don't know choosing to not use a stretcher for a painting. You're building an army of novice conservators lol
I'd say an army of armchair conservators, but I doubt we'd do a better job of conserving antique chairs than the past "conservator(s)" did with this painting :'D
This is the kind of thinking that caused some amateur to attempt to conserve this painting.
My thoughts exactly. I looked at my dogs and said "Dammit...no keys. Thats not a stretcher! Idiots"
Mind you I'm only an expert because of Julian
@@Soken50 well I dunno. I think we'd have enough good sense to try and clean it. But I could also see myself clumsily doing it too hard and skinning the painting or using the wrong solvent. That's harder to fix.
SO. FRUSTRATING. What is the point of hiring a professional if you don't LISTEN to them? Especially about something as fundamental as structural integrity? ARGH.
I'm calling it right now. When this little series ends, Julian's last words of the video will be...."the Lady.....of the Manor."
careful, he's gonna see this and troll us haha
I bet the pause in between is gonna be longer: the lady........of the manor
"...and now, the lady can be seen......in the manner........that the artist intended."
Nothing else is expected... from a finished job.
No, he'll say "The Lady and...well...the Manor".
Julian is like the Bob Ross of conservation. Soft spoken, able to make everything look easy and love every minute of his videos.
He just needs to restore some happy little trees to each painting.
Personally I wish he doesn't shit on the previous conservator in almost every video......
@@yelsamarani could be because almost everysingle commission he gets is because the previous did a bad job so hes just tired of it
But i dont usually hear him degrade them, just question their personal choices
Except, Julian does not make happy little mistakes.
@@yelsamarani he has praised a few… mostly ones he had done and returned for maintenance or additional repairs (I think he praised one that wasn’t his once) lol
“They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it's not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance.”
― Terry Pratchett
This quote seems especially poignant these days.
@@llchapman1234 *sigh*
GNU Terry Pratchett
“A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on” is also true these days. One of my all time favourite quotes from Sir Terry
@@kombatangel "ook?"
You know when you see the "part 1" it's going to be a banger
I am ready for a new season of restoring another painting!
as long as it isn't as painstaking as 'the brawler'
@@lylaflur let's not forget, "Wood that it were so simple" that was borderline cruel
The removal of surface grime and the old varnish is just so satisfying, I'll never get tired of it!
You don't know that.
Personally, I like the removal of old overpainting the best!
@@yessanknow302 💀
@@yessanknow302 lmao
Who even came up with these procedures
“And when I clean it off… well.. it will be cleaned off.” - Julian, 2022 (20:55)
"people die when they are killed" - Shirou Emiya
The archer class is really made up of archers -rin tohsaka
Wise words
‘He who has the patience to work, is he who is the chosen one.’ -Anonymous-
Your passive aggression on shoddy attempts at conservation, Julian, are legendary.😁
Many conservators have that sentiment towards this guy's videos as well.
A major highlight for me to be honest
@@notead Pfft! I repeat: Pfft! How dare some critical, trash-talking, persnickety conservator insult the honor of our hero, Julian? If I had a glove, a rapier and any fighting skill whatsoever, I would at first demand an apology. If they should foolishly refuse to apologize, then I would not hesitate to throw down the gauntlet and demand satisfaction on Julian’s behalf. I understand most duels are customarily fought at dawn but unfortunately, I will need a little time to acquire not only the equipment but the skill necessary to proceed.
@@angelatheriault8855 honestly, same🙏🏻
The shade is pretty dense in Baumgartner labs XD
I wonder at the prospect, in 100 years time, of a conservator analyzing inferior conservator materials and techniques we use today. I like that Julian kindly reminds us that past painters and conservators worked with the materials they had, taking exceptions only to impatient and shoddy application techniques.
in the future theyll use lasers and anti gravity machines to conserve paintings
There will probably be a time when a future conservator (probably Julian's kid lol) will be shitting on Julian's methods as well.
@@yelsamarani it'll be like "I cant believe he didnt use a directed plasma beam to remove that fill in material" lol
They will say: How could this so called conservator opt for an isolation layer and strainer, when a stretcher would have been a much better choice?
I completely understand the satisfaction of peeling off the lining canvas in long strips. About 10 years ago I help restore a historic barn - Round Barn in Arcadia OK. Our first task was to remove the paint. The side of the barn, where the paint had not been baked into the wood siding came off in 4+ foot strips. We were all competing to see who could strip off the longest piece. One of my coworkers stripped off a piece that was nearly 6 feet long.
Years ago I helped do some cleanup in a historic building that needed extensive cleanup after a couple decades of neglect, and part of that cleanup involved removing the old plaster and lath. While the superintendent’s apartment had a double layer that could only be persuaded loose by steady pounding with a ten pound sledgehammer, part of the dormitory wing had plaster and lath so loose that you could punch a hole with a regular hammer and then pull multiple pieces of lath loose and knock down dinner plate sized chunks of plaster with just your gloved hands.
This post right here helps me understand why we have people with so many varieties of jobs and interests in our Juliann fan club. We all find satisfaction in these kind of actions. We need a Baumgartner-con! 💕🐝💕🇺🇸
I also understand that satisfaction so very well, sometimes I also have the opportunity to experiment that same satisfaction, and it's so good when it happens 🙂🙂👌👍
I went to that barn in 1999! 😁 I was taking a trip along route66. The lady who was the tour guide was really proud of it 🙃
I remember going to that barn. You were there and we spoke spoke for a short time. It wasn't long before it became apparent that there was something going on between the two of us. You moved closer to me, the longer we spoke, then when you were almost mouth-to-mouth with me, you leaned in for a kiss. I was taken aback, and yet, it's what I had always wanted. You awoke something deep inside of me. Long story short, we made love for hours and when our rear ends were as raw as ground beef, we said our goodbyes, and went back to our lives. I never said anything to my wife, and when she died, she whispered to me "I know what you are". It seems like I always knew, and always knew about her indiscretions, in kind. Anyway, what were we talking about. Oh yeah, that was a cool barn. I saw a corncob packrat nest in there one time.
When I saw her eyes at the beginning - I felt they were sad and tired eyes. However, as you did your work, I could see a change in her eyes and expression. Oh, I am so looking forward to seeing the finished conservation!!
Aye, she looks younger already - removing that old varnish has taken years off her face, figuratively and literally!
She looks like she has a secret joke, ready to tell, and she's at the age where she will do it!
this video was somewhat different. More details and explanations, I really liked. When I think it can't get any better you surprise me, what a great work, conservating and videomaking
Agreed I loved the more detailed explanations
He's a conservator first, filmographer second. I think he's getting more into the hang of how to narrate footage and describe his techniques.
this man has got me through many mental breakdowns. his voice is just so calming and his whole mentality of "it will take time and it will take work but there's no way around it so i will get through it"
Same. Listening almost every night to sleep ❤
"You can lead a horse to water...but you can't stop him from being an ass." That's what I heard when you explained they wouldn't let you add a stretcher. I'm glad you saved her; she was someones daughter, wife, mother, maybe grandmother. And she looks like a very nice lady too.
She was vile to her daughter.
@@yessanknow302 😬
@@yessanknow302 uh-huh
None of these old rich people were nice c'mon guys
@geegeep just like the new ones... lol
"It's a testament to the fish gelatin and washi kozo"
No dude. Those are just tools. It's a testament to your skill and dedication to your craft.
Another fantastic video!
Those close up shots of removing the filling medium - absolutely fantastic
That's exactly what I thought as well!
Cannot wait for Part Two! I do have to say that whenever Julien opens up a tool drawer, I feel the need to reorganize my kitchen “junk drawer”. Anyone else?
Oh yes, if not reorganise my entire life.
Lyndsey! I so agree. And, honestly, I could listen to Julien read out the telephone book with his mellifluous tones. Well, Allan Ryckman first but unfortunately he is gone so … Julien is an excellent second. But the entire life thing I can apply to “The Archive de Shame” which is my basement in which I store the detritus of my life. Labelled. In clear plastic containers. Piled high because I know if I were to turf something within a week I would find a use for it. There is no hope for me. But Julien? The glorious and neatly and simplistically organized work space he has established is a work of art in itself. Can’t wIt for Part Two!
Which one would you like me to reorganise? 😅
@@kathleenclark5877 "The Archive de Shame" is a brilliant name. It sounds like a museum that I would want to visit lol!
Jennifer Li! Well, the shame has a lot to do with the dizzying number of labelled containers that inhabit the space which brings to mind that last scene in “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” when the aforementioned Ark has been sealed in a labelled crate. We watch in horror as the Ark is wheeled past rows and rows of similar crates piled high, the contents of which have been utterly forgotten. The worker turns left with the Ark on his trolley and quickly it disappears and we know that it will be lost yet again …. That pretty much sums up “The Archive de Shame”. I recently rediscovered a wooden chest that houses “The Archive de Sweaters” but that is a story for another time.
“The hot table is hot so I’m gonna use a piece of felt”
Julian: processed to put other hand on said hot table
Try rubbing across a barely hot to the touch surface and you'll see why ;)
@@Soken50 not the point ;)
@@rileydoolittle5324 please enlighten me to the point then
@@Soken50 that it’s funny he mentioned it’s hot but put his other hand directly on top. Not that I doubt it’s hot or anything
@@rileydoolittle5324 So exactly the point I adressed in my comment, which is that rubbing across something slightly hot but bearable to the touch is bloody painful, moreso if you also apply pressure to remove wrinkles.
I know that the old varnish flattens and yellows the paints but every time he cleans a face I’m shocked at how vibrant the original colours looked
I was literally going to say “ This woman looked so happy to be cleaned”. The grime hid so much from us!
She looked thirty years younger 🙂
ngl, i got startled when the painting showed up. she looked scary and her eyes were alien-like
I was thinking _Her eyes are _*_begging_*_ you to remove that old overpaint, Julian!_ Because it was obvious how large the area over both brows was, I was shocked when he revealed how small the actual damaged area was hiding underneath. What a bizarre thing to do to such a beautiful painting! She definitely was looking relieved when he finally undid that travesty. 🤭
As a creative myself I understand how frustrating it can be when you suggest something (because you're trained and experienced) but the client decides to go in another direction and you have to let go of how it should be and settle with what they want.
I wish people would listen to the experts and not make poor decisions
It's great to see significant amounts of original paint under the overpaint! Every speck of the original paint is glorious... I so wish I had your education and job, can't think of a better, more relaxing place to work, than in your studio!
I was thinking the same thing! Three cheers for finding original paint!
relaxing until he gets paintings such as the brawler 😂
@@beccalouise2496 nah, life would be boring without some challenges...
that is true, challenges are imperative to a fulfilling life, but i can’t imagine julian’s job being entirely relaxing and stress free when we’ve seen that that isn’t the case 😂
@@beccalouise2496 I would take his job over any occupation I've ever seen! Quiet, spacious, self motivated, artistic, challenging, thought provoking, and the necessity to only deal with others on a case by case, basis... As long as there's AC and heat, a little bit of coffee, and a nice deli nearby, I'd gladly spend the rest of my days there! He's a very lucky man...
Having merely an appreciation for art but no knowledge whatsoever on art conservation or the numerous considerations and processes that it involves, your channel has given me a wonderful new point of view every time I visit an art museum. I visited the Portland Museum of Art yesterday and found myself noticing all kinds of details in the frames, varnishes and paint layers that I just wouldn't have considered before subscribing to this channel. I want to thank you for your incredible content on behalf of all us amateur art appreciators out there for whom you've shed light on a largely overlooked facet of the art world, and in doing so spreading awareness of the critical significance, complexity, and invisible artistry that goes into conserving these beautiful pieces for people like myself to enjoy in museums and galleries the world over for centuries to come.
Thank you Julian, your videos are truly golden tacks in a sea of rusty staples!
Mister Baumgartner with a stern face: "This is a "Belgium Linen and NO staples!" kind of studio, Sir. You should know that."
One "N" in linen please.
@@tinydancer7426 i don't know what you are talking about.😇
@@roiblack8587 Well, unless my eyes were pulling a fast on me, when I first read your comment, the word linen was spelled "Linnen". I notice that your comment shows (edited). Did you edit before or after reading my comment? :0D
@@tinydancer7426 Of course BEFORE you commented. 😎 Honestly.
@@roiblack8587 It must have been split second timing because had it been spelled "linen" I wouldn't have commented in the first place. Such is life.
I've never thought I would ever be looking at some old paintings for half an hour straight. And here I am )))
I was in the hospital overnight feeling feverish and uncomfortable, I can't sleep, yet as long as I have Baumgartner, I am at peace 😌
I just thought "hmm, haven't heard from Julian for quite some time..", went to check his channel and low and behold an update from just 2 minutes ago!
It's "lo and behold". Not low.
@@nextlifeonearth ay, ay Capn!
"we say goodbye to our countess. we'll see her again later" i love the way julian talks about the people in portraits. It's a lovely reminder that these were real people
Julian's face when he removes the old lining is priceless
i need someone to love me the way baumgartner loves mulberry paper
Why, so you can be torn apart at the end?
Memoriam Victoriam, I may make my husband (also a Baumgartner fan) a Valentine that reads: Be My Washi Kozo (spelling?) 🥰
He sounds calm and collected but you can tell he’s hella pissed with the last conservator! Love the passion and attention to details. Long time watcher, and now a subscriber!
When I see am old, yellowed, faded portrait I always think you can see how the people are forgotten. The knowledge of them fades as the colors do. That's why I love what you do so much. You revive them, you bring them back ❤️😊
I tell you what, if Magellan had a documentary series on the actual old handmade methods for making washi kozo, fish gelatin, rabbit skin glue, old school varnishes and any of the other products Julian encounters, I'd subscribe and watch it repeatedly. I've now reached a point where I also want to understand the origin end of the process: how they made these things, how they came up with these things as solutions, and why they chose them instead of something else. I mean, who ever thought outside the box to use a fish product in art conservation?
Eh, isenglass has been used as a glue for millennia- along with hide or hoof glue it was one of the main adhesives of the premodern world. All it really took was someone noticing that fish scales and water made sticky stuff that stopped being sticky when dry.
“Human beings can always be relied upon to exert, with vigor, their God-given right to be stupid. ”
― Dean Koontz
I love the olde varnish removal and totally agree that it reveals what the artist would want you to see. "Patina" is great for a piece of metal but dirt is dirt.
Metal, wood, leather. Looks great with patina. Paintings, not so much :P
Julian: ‘this old canvas is so weak, it’ll peel right off in one fell swoop!’
Old Canvas: “Am I a joke to you?”
removing the old fill in material is like taking up carpet and finding wood floors beneath!
Yay a new vid. I miss you when you're gone. ;)
This was a roller coaster wow.. First of all, I didn’t expect myself to feel so strongly about a client not choosing a stretcher, let alone the anger I felt when the previous “conservator” did such a crap job, damn. Julian, you’re raising an army over here lol
Her eyes ,pearls and lace are amazing. You are so talented and patient to be able to restore this. Can't wait for part two.
Julian: "there are signs of veeery bad conservation"
Me: "oh boy, this is gonna be sweet" 😁
Lets see if i learned something. I'm at 0:56 and these are my predictions of Julian's step by step.
First: face the painting with washikozo and fish gelatin glue to avoid any paint detachment.
Then, remove any backing/canvas, ideally DRY. If this cannot be achieved dry, use Lapenite or some solvent to try to remove it.
Once bare canvas is exposed, saturate the canvas with a diluted conservation grade adhesive to penetrate Through the canvas and secure the paint.
Move to the hot table and press with heat in order to reduce wrinkles and allow the paint to become flatter.
OR: once the backing is removed, move to the hot table, flatten the painting, then saturate the canvas and then move back to the hot table.
My heart skipped a beat as the cleaning started to reveal lace on the bonnet and dress. So satisfying and enjoyable.
These videos have really been helping with my struggles against anxiety and depression. Thank you!
This woman will be so happy when you finish restoring her. I love the delicate details.
Those eyes...once cleaned...so lovely. So sweet! She looks happy and grateful!
This piece is a who's-who of damaged paintings, I can't wait to see this one finished
I LOVE how you do your intros, you really make it feel like an adventure we're about to embark on, the weight and meaning you give to the video's title.
This is like watching YOU during Joes monologues but for art restoration
the cadence in which they speak and the audio quality, plus a taste for the fine arts... i can definitely see it lol
i put this video on as background because of the quiet and soothing voice tones. But almost every time, i end up watching raptly as he scraps his scalpel and swirl his swabs.... it is satisfying to watch the painstaking, step by step process. The patience, dedication, and respect is fantastic.
That scalpel glide is up there with gliding scissors through wrapping paper
As soon as he said that there was lots of overpaint I started getting excited for Julian's polite form of trash talk!
I would volunteer to sit and clean paintings! It so fits my need to hyper focus on something super tedious and time consuming!!! I can not be the only one!!
Miniature models, watch/clock repair, 3D puzzles, electronic instrument assembly, stained glass making, engraving, wood carving, lace making, crochet, needle point, embroidery.....I've always admired people who could do these things. Hyper focus is a real talent!
I was just thinking the same thing about myself.
Any advise to be like you? I admire people who can hyper focus on something
@@cs3742 you have described my entire UA-cam watchlist!
@@dadaperez1284 Unfortunately, I think for me, it is an undiagnosed adult ADHD with some OCD elements. I once spent hours picking up a box of seed beads that fell into my pile carpet. Sometimes it's a gift, some times it's a curse. (Seed beads = curse / kitchen so clean you can eat off of any surface including floor = not so much of a curse)
There is something extremely satisfying in seeing so many layers put on the original paint removed, and simplifying it to one single layer of filling and retouching. Although vibrant paint at the end may seem as the most rewarding part of the job, for me, it's knowing that the painting is simplified once again to its fundamental parts, and nothing else.
exactly
@@davidroosa4561 You're wrong again.
This is a particularly fascinating video, Mr B.,....and I thought, on first seeing the state of this painting, oh, it's SHATTERED, what can he do? But watching your work, I'm seeing what is actually there, what happened to this portrait through past shoddy work....and that. this lovely lady still lives underneath the wreck that was made of her likeness. You're bringing her back, and it's joyous to watch! Cannot wait to see the finish, Mr B! This is so exciting; it's one of the true joys of my life to watch your work. Thank you!
This is one of the most fascinating UA-cam channels ever created 🏆
You dont conserve the history of the painting, you conserve the vision of the artist 😌❤
I know I don't have the patience, or expertise, to accomplish something like this, but I am hugely impressed by your to detail, superb craftsmanship, and most of all your sense of wonder and joy when you bring one of these historic snapshots back from the brink.
Bravo!
Julian's videos are always soothing and very educational and I rewatch them so often ☺️
Thanks for another amazing video!!
I never get tired of watching your conservation work, Julian. Keep them coming!
I LOVE the adjusted intro/channel tag!!!!! Beautiful! It includes the best ofwhat you had before, but doesn't hurt my misophonia afflicted ears. Perfect
Wayyyyy more smack talk in this that I expected, and Im here for it
Here at the beginning I am excited to see such a challenge taken on by (in my estimation) one of the best conservators I have seen work. This is going to be interesting.. Bravo.. once again working your hard won magic.. I can hardly wait for the second part.
I really congratulate you for not having someone filming your work moving right and left, up and down and zooming in and out. That new tendency extremely destroys the observation for the ones that enjoy the detailed work like myself.
Excellent restoration work and filming!
I can’t wait to see how this painting gets restored!
Love this painting✨ Can’t wait to see her restored ♥️ I am so aggravated at the ppl who have touched this beautiful lady before 😡 I also don’t understand owners tht can afford to take their paintings to a conservator, but not take their advice…. I have a small painting that I’ve loved for over 25 yrs! If I were able to see a conservator, I would WANT them to tell me the proper way to save it for another 150 years! Can’t wait until we see this lovely lady again, as the artist intended. Ty Julian🌟
Wow! I think this might of been the first painting that cleaning it and removing the varnish, dirt, and grim; made the sitter look several years younger. You're work is incredible!
Every time I see one of Julian’s videos I can’t help but wonder…how did Dana Barrett, a cellist, get a job conserving paintings in Ghostbusters 2? 🤣
I cannot get enough of your work and narration Julian, this is just fantastic. Looking forward to part 2.
Every time you do the eye reveal its amazing. It never gets old seeing what lays beneath. It's like they come alive.
was having a bad night. this new video from you is right on time 🥺 i can have the rest of this night in peace
I love that I've been watching so long I get a kick out of guessing what steps you are going to take and keeping track of how many I can get right! Thanks for teaching us along the way!
Wow I don't know why, but this restauration was extremely interesting and satisfying to watch. Perhaps because there was just a little bit more difference, and the amazing reveal of the varnish, overpaint and fill in medium. Can't wait for part two!
An Apprentice ? I am 60 years young I have been working on oil paintings from the age of 21 years old, I am so glad that there are people doing this to save all the masterpieces . It is so important to keep them for all the Future generation's to see and learn , I thank you for shearing this video
The depth in the irises is so soft but profound. She looks like she was a kind woman, beloved by many :)
Julian: I need a big brush to work my gelled water
Seller: How big do you need it to be?
Julian: Yes!
I’m dont see how a restoration will be possible, but you always amaze me.
14:43 I always love when people take things like this to experts because the experts know what they are doing, but then don’t listen to the expert’s advice. As if the client all of the sudden became an expert of art restoration and knows more than you do.
I've have hab a VERY shitty day until now. Thank you Julien. Perfect timing. 😊
I just can't imagine not listening to a professional like Julian if I were to send a painting to be restored. Wanting to keep the strainer, something you won't be seeing and isn't original just seems so weird.
I can. Cost. I'm guessing this is not cheap and if it has a PET lining I would maybe cut corners tbh😅
@@maps_xi feel like as viewers we do occasionally forget that these clients are paying a LOT of money for these restorations lol
Absolutely unmissable . Each time Julian and his explanations and meticulous artistry always a hightlight.
Thank you Julian
I love a new Baumgartner video, but always feel a little sad when it's a two-parter. :) A week of anticipation!
The more I watch your videos, the more I am baffled by how patient you are! On the other hand, I listen to the descriptions you do as I watch you work and we can definitely tell that you just love what you’re doing!
I love the meticulous way in which you work, it is a joy to behold. 🏴
It's amazing seeing how when Julian is cleaning the painting that the original painting has depth and layers. An example; when hes cleaning her eyes, he reveals a beautiful deep blue eye and the dirty side looks flat like there is no life to the eye. Truly a professional conservator.
Always a shock to see how much a painting changes with your skill, keep up the good work you are doing a great job.
My comment is coming from someone that knows nothing about paintings but I do appreciate. My late mom was a great painter. But I never thought in a million years I would watch or even come close to wanting too. But here I am and this was a really cool video and like 1 person stated. Who knew there was a art in restoring art. I always do appreciate a good painting. Sometimes if a painting really catches my eye and I get lost in it and form a story in my mind how I see it. But watching this video gave me a new appreciation. Great video
I love the work you do! I wouldn’t trust anyone else to take care of any painting.
Your channel is terrific. I would never have considered myself an art person but the way you explain what you're doing and the vison of the artist, well it has made me appreciate art and look at painting in a whole new way. Thank you.
It would have been so great to see the progress of the cleaning, first barnish, surface grime, second barnish, over paint… under UV light!
At the first view of the paint condition, I knew the washikozo would be making an appearance. She's looking much better even half-done. Can't wait to see the final result.
Hyped to watch this once I get home from work!
Damn the prep work on this painting is serious! At least the lining came out satisfactory 🥰 cannot wait to see her in her finished glory~!!! 💖💖💖
I was just scrolling on your channel, missing your videos and hey! New video!
Thank goodness a new video. I was beginning to get withdrawal symptoms. Removing all that stuff on her face took 20 years off her.
She has such expressive eyes. Dignified. Has experienced sorrow but maintains her joie de vivre.
All the detail comes out once it’s cleaned and you can really start to appreciate the skill of the old masters.
I love these videos, eye opening on what people come up with to help restore these masterpieces. Just for reference the British Union Jack is actually the Union Flag, it's only called Jack when flying on a ship. Keep up the good work
Never heard anyone call it the union flag before
@@Tomski_19 That's because pretty much everyone gets it wrong.
It's only a Jack when flying at sea...
@@NikolaHoward Interestingly, the United States also has a flag called the union jack.
"The union jack is a rectangular blue flag with 50 stars. This flag is flown from a short spar on the bow called a jackstaff. Naval vessels fly it whenever they are at anchor between 8 A.M. and sunset. Pleasure boats fly it only when at anchor on Sundays and holidays and when dressing ship."
-- _The Annapolis Book of Seamanship,_ John Rousmaniere, New York, 1989, p. 367
I'm British and have only ever known it to be called the Union Jack, regardless of where it is.
@@yessanknow302 Not British enough, I recon. 🤣 Sorry, couldn’t resist.