Smoke Damage on Artwork – We work as a sub to disaster response companies

Posted on January 28, 2017 by Scott M. Haskins

Liability during clean up is a big issue with smoke damage on paintings and other artwork-collectible objects. I mean, we are specialized in treating paintings and all our professional art restoration services center around doing this correctly. How can an unprofessional person, hitting things with a sponge, do the same kind of quality work? Here’s an example:

We are located in sunny Southern California and even on this winter day, it was close to 70 degrees. When AIG insurance company and Elite-Restoration Inc. (disaster response company) agreed to fly me to Sun Valley, Idaho to inspect and estimate 40-60 smoke damaged items… I was unprepared psychologically for the -10 degree temperature when I walked out of my hotel in the morning. But traveling to help people get the right quality professional help is part our business.Scott M. Haskins consulting on smoke damage artwork in Ketchum, Idaho

For the on-site inspection I used the inventory (with a photo) that Elite-Restoration already had in hand and added to it my observations. When we opened up the storage facility, it stunk to high heaven! I reviewed each of the 40 framed items suggesting the ways that the smell could be permanently eliminated. Also of interest to the owners was a list of “pre-existing conditions” that could be worked on while they were being cleaned but for which AIG would not be responsible for paying but would help to “dial-in” the items to their best condition.

framed collectibles smoke damaged

With my art conservation proposal and budget in hand, Elite-Restoration and AIG had a professional tool to help manage their project efficiently and to help take liability off their shoulders. In this case, the responsibility of this clean up job was given to FACL to perform which distanced Elite-Restoration from the liability of working on the valuable artwork and the items the family felt emotional about saving in its best condition. After all, the goal is to get back to pre-damaged condition and restore peace of mind to the insured.

Jaryn McKnight, Area Manager, Elite Restoration Inc.
621 South Main Unit B
Bellevue, Idaho 83313
(208) 788-9463 office
(208) 721-3830 cell
(208) 734-6304 fax
Jaryn@elite-restoration.com

FACL – Scott M. Haskins, Virginia Panizzon, Oriana Montemurro, Art Conservators 805 564 3438

About Scott M. Haskins

Scott Haskins has been in professional art conservation since 1975, specializing in the conservation/restoration of easel paintings, murals and art on paper. FACL, Inc. is known nationally for doing A+ work no matter the size or difficulty of the project. We are happy to do a quick cleaning on a family heirloom. Our client list and resume is also full of very satisfied clients of large, difficult/complicated projects at remote locations. Excellent services are also available as an Expert Witness/Legal Testimony in art related matters. Consultation on art related projects occur regularly including extensive insurance evaluations for insured or insurer. Services are offered worldwide. Scott M. Haskins is also author of the "Save Your Stuff" series, educational information, materials and supplies to help people protect and save their treasured family heirlooms and collectibles at home and office. He can be reached at 805 564 3438. Video and written testimonials at https://www.fineartconservationlab.com/testimonials/
This entry was posted in Travel. Bookmark the permalink.