J.CAC VOLUME 35 (2010)
Marcelle Ferron for Conservators: The Artist, her Materials and Techniques from 1953 to 1960, and the Treatment of an Untitled Oil Painting on Canvas and_x000D_Plywood
In October of 2007, a small abstract painting, Untitled (1955) by Québec artist Marcelle Ferron (1924-2001), was brought to the Canadian Conservation Institute for treatment. This painting, an oil on linen canvas marouflaged onto a plywood support by the artist, is a rare remaining example of this practice by Ferron. The preliminary research into the history of the painting revealed interesting details about the artist; however, no conservation-driven literature was found. This paper introduces Ferron’s motivations, unique working methods and materials to conservators, in addition to some of the artist’s views on art, artists, and her own work, focusing specifically on the first half of her Paris period (1953-1960). The treatment of Untitled (1955), which was developed in light of these findings, is described. The main conservation concerns with this painting were the extensive delamination of the canvas from the plywood support, the dome-like canvas deformations and the presence of a discoloured varnish. In order to preserve the artist’s intention and her materials, as well as her typical surface repairs and repaints, all original elements were retained. Entrance holes were drilled for the introduction of an adhesive through the back of the plywood rather than disturb the reasonably intact face of the painting. The distorted canvas was successfully restored to a planar surface through a series of moisture and heat treatments. The dark coating was removed and the painting re-varnished, revealing the composition’s vibrant colours.
Download: JCAC35 Cyr & Baker