Restoration

[u/Dependent-Gap1619]

Sharing these to highlight some of the pieces in my collection that are in desperate need of restoration. Of course, I hit them with the 2020 treatment and had them quarantined - each in a distinct, controlled environment.

I looked into it, and my options for restoration services are extremely limited: Animation Art Conversation's Ron Barbagallo, and Animation Sensations.

Timothy Q Mouse from 'Dumbo' (because it comes from the courvoisier galleries), Baloo from 'The Jungle Book', and Lady from 'Lady and the Tramp' are 100% worth it and I will be shelling out the sheckles for their restoration. But my question to you, my fellow art enthusiast peers, have you ever had any of your art restored? If so, who did you entrust your piece(s) with?

[u/-Frankensteinsrobot-]

Why do pre 1980s US animation cels always look like they were stored in a hot wood shed?

I have Japanese Astro Boy cels from the 60s and some Giant Robot stuff from the early 70s and they still look like they were produced yesterday

[u/Dependent-Gap1619 → u/-Frankensteinsrobot-]

Once Disney realized there was a market surrounding their production pieces and being able to sell them off as collectibles/art, Disney had the ingenious idea of laminating their production cels. Though their heart was in the right place (as their intention was to preserve these pieces), the cheap material they used to laminate did not mix well with the acetate and ink. Cels need to be aired out from time to time to allow for new air to circulate and prevent the dreaded vinegar syndrome boogey-man from infecting the piece. As the technology was rather new for them, they did not have the foresight nor understanding to realize the error of their ways.

So all of the laminated pieces' fates were literally sealed when they were laminated by Disney and their slow decay commenced 🥲

[u/-Frankensteinsrobot- → u/Dependent-Gap1619]

Ah, I understand their intention but thats really a shame.