Valence before restoration Valence after restorationA client contacted me about restoring 5 window valences that were found in the basement of his elaborate victorian era mansion. We believed them to belong to one of the bedrooms upstairs, however they were neglected and forgotten in the wet basement. The valences were found covered in 1/8th of an inch of dust over gold paint. Some had mold on them. Some were still wet and the gesso was completely crumbling. The client gave me a bag full of pieces that were found on the ground around the valences or ornaments that have broken off. Most of the pieces were salvageable. The valence (shown below in detail) did not have any associated pieces that could be found. All missing ornaments were cast from another valence.(click for details) After the dust and mold were removed, the paint was stripped. The before image below shows just how much gold was found under the paint. The valences did not need a lot of regilding. Before (click for details) After

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