|  People work diverse fields from mortgage collectors to antique restorers. Jim Chalmers and his partner Robert Rafuse are dedicated to restoring artwork to its original luster. In some cases the artwork has
been neglected and exposed to humidity, which causes mold and
water damage. In most cases though, the colours lose their vibrancy
because the old varnish, as it ages, tends to create a brownish
yellow haze over the painting. In their studio near Oak Island,
Nova Scotia, Canada, the restorers use their knowledge of colour
and technique to rectify the damage. The completed piece is brought
back to the condition under which the artist originally intended
their audience to view the artwork. Art owners ought to maintain
their oil and/or acrylic painting(s) by having them cleaned professionally
every 5 years. One should never attempt to clean artwork oneself
as it could cause serious damage by an untrained individual.
Trained in 1975 for 10 years by Dr Robert Organ at the Royal Ontario
Museum, Jim Chalmers possesses a wide range of expertise. His
specialization includes Early Human Cultures, Amlash, Egyptian,
Pre-Columbian, Aztec, Mayan, Oriental Screens/Tang Dynasty Pieces,
fire-damaged paintings/objects and contemporary works of art.
The restorers are also experts in repairing sculptures, Inuit
Art and ceramics. For the past 6 years Robert Rafuse has been
training under Mr Chalmers.
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