RESTORATION ART Preserving History Through Artistry Decorative painting and gold leaf on Hooghuys Band Organ figures. Close up artistry on Gavioli Band Organ statue. The artist working on a 1924 Hooghuys band organ facade. Limonaire Band Organ Close up detail of artistry. Gavioli Orchestrophone Band Organ The artist applying 23 karat gold leaf to a carved wood statue. GILDING The ornamental process begins with a meticulous application of varnish. Once the varnish reaches a set near dryness, the process of applying gold or silver pressed metal leaf is tactfully employed, using skilled technique with a soft gilding brush. Lightly pressing the leaf to the varnished surface, a gilded section is then burnished to a polished shine. 23 karat gold leaf gilding RECREATING HISTORICAL PAINTINGS When the original painting cannot be preserved, or is entirely absent, historical research is undertaken to create a new painting in place of the original. The following are examples of custom canvas paintings created for the Eden Palais Carousel. The original 1890 paintings were missing, however, with the documentation of antique photographs, historically accurate replacements were painted in artist oils. Original painting in oil by Jill Bradshaw Oil painting created for the Eden Palais Lifesize Oil on Canvas/Hooghuys Band Organ Painting/ Restored by Jill Bradshaw PAINTING RESTORATION Restoration begins with assessing the cause of deterioration. Once the probable cause of damage is estimated, the proper method of restoration may follow. After examination, the painting is carefully cleaned to remove dirt and varnish, exposing the brilliance of the original color scheme.  A paint sample may taken to determine the earliest paint layer, to aid in recreating the original color palate. This image is of a 1924 Belgium painting from the Hooghuys Band Organ facade, fully restored by Jill. Large sections of the canvas were heavily worn and exposed, causing vast areas of paint to flake. Jill carefully removed loose paint particles, stabilized the canvas, protected exposed areas with primer, in-painted lost sections and then applied thin layers of oil glazing throughout, to restore luminous brilliance. HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE The Heidelberg Building, located downtown Chicago at Randolph and State Street, required considerable research and funding. Built in 1932, the well known German themed Chicago landmark had deteriorated. Together with The Art Institute of Chicago, restoration consultant Curt Mangel and artist Jill Bradshaw, this building was brought back to life with an authentic yet modern flair. After extensive research, Jill selected a historic color palate for the exterior in addition to designing a custom German crest to decorate the tower doors. While a team of painters applied the building paint, Jill painted detailed artwork on the tower doors, and 23 Karat gold leaf gilding to the center clock. Once completed, this famous Chicago landmark was unveiled to the city by Mayor Daley in June 2001. The Heidelberg Building, Chicago