Project Blue Boy: Phase 2
After a stay in the conservation lab for some delicate repairs to the painting's canvas lining, Phase 2 of #ProjectBlueBoy is complete! Here’s a closer look at some of the treatments Blue Boy underwent:
To repair the torn and fragile areas of the tacking edges of the canvas, conservator Christina O’Connell carefully realigned the tiny frayed and torn threads. This type of thread by thread mend honors the original structure of the canvas.
To reattach portions where the original canvas was separating from the support lining, O’Connell added adhesive between the layers. Work was also done to repair cracks and splits found in the wooden stretcher.
Before moving back into the gallery, O’Connell took photographs of Blue Boy, as written and photographic documentation are an important part of the conservation process.
Next up: Inpainting in the gallery! O’Connell will be reintegrating areas of past loss and damage to the painting during Phase 3. For more details on the project and to see the in-gallery conservation schedule, check out huntington.org/projectblueboy.