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MASTER RESTOROR
Randolph Algera has over 30 years of experience in conservation and restoration with his own company Art-Decor. He has been in the craft for 45 years. The company deals with painted (historical) interior spaces and painted objects, from the 17th - 20th century. This concerns the (preventive) conservation and restoration of (decorative) finishes and wall- and ceiling paintings. Archival and laboratory research are also carried out. The different color reseaches are accurately documented.
DISCIPLINES
Art-Decor represents different disciplines. Randolph Algera holds the Master's degree in three specializations: painting, wall covering and brush techniques. He is recognized as restorer and affiliated with RN (Restauratoren Nederland) and the ARA (Art Restorers Association). He regularly follows (universal) studies to keep his professional knowledge and skills up to date.
TEAM OF SPECIALISTS
Art-Decor works with a team of specialists that is structurally involved in activities, training and developments at home and abroad. Our strength is that we are excellently trained in restoration besides as in craftsmanship and art. We have years of experience. This lets us stand out above other restorers. We have a responsible vision of conservation and restoration, in which we endorse the restoration ethics.
AWARDS / NOMINATIONS
Art-Decor Randolph Algera regularly wins awards and nominations. The r.-k. church in Oldemarkt (Overijssel)
receives an honorable mention. The Reformed Church in Raerd and the Estate De Klinze in Oudkerk (both in Friesland) are nominated.
In 2013 Art-Decor Randolph Algera wins the all over National Painters' Award. And also the 1st prize in the category restoration / decoration for the Jugendstil villa RamsWoerthe project in Steenwijk. The jury states that it is impressed by the craftsmanship and the level at which this restoration has been carried out and that such is rarely achieved in the Netherlands. The result is a total project, everything is coordinated, with complete respect for the original background.
(PREVENTIVE) CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
The aim is to sustainably preserve cultural heritage. We strive to minimize damage and deterioration. This also includes the prevention of loss of important knowledge about the cultural objects.
Before a project starts, we make a choice together with the client from the options for recovery, what the intention is and the intensity thereof.
It comprises a variety of activities that can be subdivided into:
Preventive conservation or passive conservation provides the right conditions for conservation. It slows down decay by adjusting external environmental factors (relative humidity, incident light, insect traps, etc.)
Active conservation slows down decay and makes the object less vulnerable and more presentable. Actual action is taken in the condition of the object. This can be done by removing dirt, dust, securing loose parts, supporting weakened parts and combating fungus or insect infestation. Documentation and condition determination can also belong to the active preservation handling.
Restoration aims to return the object to a "new" state, which it had previously in history and which has been predetermined. This can be done by replenishing and adding lost parts, replacing parts or removing old restorations. In all cases, the restorer takes the authenticity of the object into account in the
material area (respecting the original material), in the conceptual area (with the intention of the artist / maker), in the contextual / functional area (with return the object to its original context), and in the historical area (if the work as an object is more important than the aesthetic experience, traces of use may then remain visible, for example).
Motivation for the choice is important, taking into account the professional ethics (code of ethics) for restoration. We communicate clearly about our education, work experience, completed projects, memberships of professional organizations such as RN (Restorers Netherlands) and ARA (Art Restorers Association). We are happy to advise you on the best way to preserve, exhibit and maintain your object. Feel free to ask for a quotation, it is also clear.
Method
Each (monumental) building has its own color history, both for the exterior and the interior. The color history, together with the architectural aspect, determines the total historical appearance. The quality of the use of color and materials contributes to the quality of the building.
The research into the colors, in combination with the materials in different periods, leads to a well-considered restoration plan.
Color historical research does not automatically lead to restoration, conservation or reconstruction. One can also consciously choose new colors or decorations. Good research into the colored parts, especially in conjunction with other materials and finishes, is important. Correct documentation is a source of information for possible later restorations. The historical layering and appearance of the building are preserved in this manner.
In addition to performing stratigraphic research (making color steps) in situ, in which the paint layers / finishing layers are scraped away in small areas next to each other with a scalpel, it is sometimes necessary to have a laboratory test carried out. Taking paint samples and examining paint cross-sections precedes this. Microscope photography often provides better insight into the structure of the paint layers. The research results are then related to the findings (stratigraphies) in situ and linked to the building history and archival research. In some situations it is necessary to work interdisciplinary, whereby the research is extended to all types of finishing layers of the building, such as the types of stone used, plaster, wallpaper, paneling, floor finishing.
Finally, the report follows, which leads to final advice and considerations for the restoration. In a complex investigation, there is good consultation between all parties involved and (government) agencies.
You will find our work with business clients, but also with private clients.
RESTORATION OF PAINTINGS involves cleaning, restoration and applying canvas.
Art-Decor has years of experience in the restoration of paintings, large and small.
Professional Restoration of Paintings - Expertise, Integrity and Scientific Basis
Restoration of paintings requires in-depth knowledge, professional skills and a carefully considered approach. An incorrect diagnosis or unskilled treatment can cause irreparable damage to valuable works of art. At Art-Decor you are assured of high-quality restoration, carried out by an expert restorer/conservator with years of experience and academic further and additional training. We combine craftsmanship with current scientific insights, so that your work of art is treated with respect for the original technique and aesthetics. Our studio has more than 30 years of experience in restoring paintings for museums, institutions, companies and private collectors.
Restorer Randolph Algera is a professionally trained restorer/conservator and also a master's degree artist, who continues to educate himself through university further training and international symposia. His expertise is rooted in art historical knowledge, knowledge of materials and chemical-technical research, essential for making responsible choices in restoration.
Restoration Process: Research and Diagnosis
Every restoration starts with a thorough condition analysis of the painting, often supported by techniques such as X-rays, UV light analysis, infrared reflectography and microscopic examination. This provides insight into ageing, overpainting, varnish layers and previous restorations. If necessary, we consult with other specialists - such as art historians and conservation scientists - after which we draw up a restoration proposal. Only after approval will a clear quotation follow.
Painting Cleaning
Paintings become contaminated by soot, nicotine, dust or, for example, incorrectly applied varnishes. Removing these layers requires specialist knowledge of solvents, pH values and the solubility of original paint layers. Every cleaning is tested in advance on a non-visible area to minimise risks. The result is often astonishing: original colours and details are restored without affecting the original work. Varnish Removal and Renewal Very yellowed or discoloured varnish layers can give the painting a dull appearance. By carefully removing these and replacing them with a stable, reversible varnish, the legibility of the work is restored and protected from UV damage.
Canvas Reinforcement (Relining)
When a painting shows serious damage to the canvas, such as tears or loss of structure, relining may be necessary. This involves attaching a new canvas behind the original canvas using reversible adhesives. This method stabilises the painting without permanent intervention. Damage to the paint layer is retouched with lightfast, easily recognisable retouching materials such as Gamblin Conservation Colors or Maimeri Restoration. Integrity and Sustainability
Transparency, reversibility and minimal intervention are at the heart of our restoration ethos. This means that your painting will not only remain aesthetically pleasing, but will also be culturally and materially preserved for future generations.
Contact Randolph Algera on 06 533 788 51 or info@autrevue.nl for a no-obligation quote or consultation.
LECTURES - Algera regularly gives professional lectures. He is a guest teacher at restoration courses.
INTERNATIONAL
