People and Projects – Queensland

Paintings

Shafston House – painted frieze

Maïté Le Mens, Senior Paintings Conservator, led the first stage of conservation treatment on the painted frieze at the heritage-listed Shafston House in Kangaroo Point. Working alongside Sydney-based conservators Alis Jitarescu, Principal, Decorative Arts & Murals, and Francesca Elia, Paintings Conservator, the team undertook a complex program of stabilisation and cleaning to address flaking paint, deep structural cracks, soluble salt deposits and decades of accumulated surface grime. Through careful consolidation, filling and aqueous cleaning, the treatment has significantly improved both the stability and legibility of the decorative scheme while preserving its historic fabric. The project is an exciting example of collaboration between ICS Brisbane and ICS Sydney conservators, helping to conserve one of Queensland’s important heritage interiors for future generations.

Bronzes – Brisbane City Council

A collaboration between ICS conservators from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne recently completed the conservation of 13 bronze sculptures for Brisbane City Council. Led by Melbourne-based conservator Zora Sanders, Senior Conservator & Team Leader, the project brought together specialists from across the ICS network, with Sydney-based Keir Bayley, Principal Conservator Metals, and Shrief Eissa, Senior Objects Conservator, assisting during the final week of night works at King George Square.

The bronzes are located in some of Brisbane’s most iconic public spaces, including King George Square, Post Office Square and the City Botanic Gardens. Years of exposure to Brisbane’s subtropical climate had resulted in corrosion, weathering and the build-up of surface contaminants, affecting both the sculptures’ condition and appearance.

Over five weeks, ICS conservators carefully cleaned each sculpture, stabilised areas of deterioration and applied protective coatings to safeguard them against future environmental damage. The project has helped preserve these important public artworks while enhancing their appearance for the community to enjoy.

Paper

Jon Molvig – Women’s College, UQ

Liam Holmes, ICS Paper Conservator, recently treated a Jon Molvig ink drawing belonging to the Women’s College at the University of Queensland. The piece was suffering from severe mould growth and water damage resulting from storage in its frame under a leaking air conditioner. According to resident mushroom expert Jochen Letsch, the paper and framing materials even displayed some mycelium growth!

The item was immediately deframed and brush vacuumed to remove the mould. Several suction table washes significantly reduced the dramatic tideline in the upper righthand and centre portions of the image. After some careful tear repairs, the piece was returned to the client in a brand new frame.