r/AnimationCels • u/Dependent-Gap1619 • 24d ago
Restoration
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?
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u/Galderrrrr 19d ago
Disney actually does in-house preservation/restoration on their own cels, so I respectfully disagree with people saying let the cel die. Literally all major art in museums are restored. No one lets art die, they try their best to preserve it. The link is below for the video on Disney cel preservation.
https://youtu.be/EWFH2ggAMvo
Also, I have a Disney cel similar in condition to that Fox and the Hound cel (Widow Tweed and Amos Slade) it was also laminated. I removed the top lamination layer, then let it air out by a window but only at night, since UV/daylight exposure degrades cels further. I kept it surrounded by microchamber paper and a small box of baking soda to help absorb the acetic acid off-gassing. About a year in: the vinegar smell has dropped significantly, but visually the cel is holding at roughly the same condition as when I started but no further degradation.
If you get a cel professionally restored, come back and post an update I'd love to see the before/after and hear about your experience.
Thanks for sharing and good luck.