There's something really tickling about the painter signing their name on the back and making the same mistake so many of us make when writing on a large canvas. Starting in the middle, with large confident letters, and ending on the edge of the canvas with the letters thin and touching. Leaving us with our folly. 😂

Julian: "Because someone didn't do a great job, it makes my job much easier." Previous conservator: [laughs in polyurethane and tile adhesive]

So happy for you Julian. That peel-off lining canvas was a well-deserved breeze after the tile grout fiasco. 😁

4:44 - You must love Julian's expression change as he finds the inscription, like unwrapping a present, to giggling and whopping an "ALL RIGHT !!" with pure joy !

I know that there are fellow weirdos out there who will understand me when I say that watching Julian clean a painting is one of my favourite things to watch!

No one tell Julian that he sometimes leaves in the audio of him starting over on a part/correcting himself it’s so wholesome to me

I think it's funny how this artist could be so dainty and delicate with the actual painting, but his signature on the back is a massive messy scrawl.

6:10 - Hey Julian! Whilst you were smelling that paintbrush, did you notice a weird fishy smell? If you did, that's what pure nicotine smells like! It's an amine and therefore has a weird fishy smell. I always wondered why some vapes had that weird smell about them. Now we both know! I think most of the smell on that paintbrush was from the tar. The long-chained, poly-cyclic carbon compounds formed through incomplete combustion. Because those compounds are so big, they have significant van der waals forces and like to stick to surfaces. Over time, the slightly shorter chained, less cyclic compounds evaporate off because they're slightly more volatile and the stickier larger molecules build up on the surface forming that icky sticky dark coloured layer on the paintings surface. That's also why the painting didn't smell *too* too bad until you started to clean it. Those slightly volatile compounds that slowly evaporate are what you smell at first. But when you agitate the surface grime, and mix it with solvent, you're aerosolizing those compounds that have built up on the surface, and some co-evaporate with the solvent. So in effect you get the smell of decades worth of smoke exposure, in a few seconds. Eeew. Also, nicotine on it's own can be detrimental to paintings too. It's oily and absorbs water. It also breaks down on exposure to oxygen and UV to make substances like methylamine which cause further damage by being reactive.

It feels like the paintings give a sigh of relief whenever he cleans them, touches them up, and making them look almost new again. It's like getting home from a long day at school or work and taking a shower and getting into cool comfy clothes and just resting

I am looking at a painting in our house right now. I've never cared for it because it's so "dark". Watching Julian makes me realize that it's probably due to my 50 years of my dad's cigarette smoke, along with half a century of dust and dirt.

“I supposed I should tip my hat to the previous conservator for …phoning it in!”- this level of smart savagery will never fail to make me chuckle 😂😂😂

I know this step is generally skipped to keep the videos engaging, but I'd love to see the solvent testing portion of the cleaning process at some point. It just seems really interesting.

I'll never get tired of watching yellowed varnish be removed to show such beautiful brilliant colors

I absolutely positively love that you keep in the times your had to reboot mid sentence really reminds me I'm not watching the regular videos like this on KZfaq I'm actually watching someone work and carry out a day to day occupation kinda like watching a very interesting NPC. or maybe I am the NPC and you are the main character at this point what your doing always seems more interesting than what I'm doing 😅😅

Just as Julian talks about poetry during the cleaning process his voice makes poetry in narration. Even before he said the painting was slightly skinned I was thinking the exact same thing when he started cleaning the white of the shirt. It is simple amazing how much can be learned by just watching a good narrator and someone who takes the time to genuinely explain clearly what is being discussed.

it was so relaxing to see a much simpler restoration than one with things like tile adhesive or polyurethane. those are interesting, but this was just calm and simple

Cleaning the dirt and old varnish off a painting reminds me of the first time I cleaned my windows after a couple of chain smokers I was renting to moved out. You could visibly see the difference between the cleaned and uncleaned sections.

Great video. The Gardner Museum in Boston has both a great masterpiece and a student copy of it: Titian's The Rape of Europa and a student copy by a young Peter Paul Rubens.

I never cared or thought too much about the importance of photo restoration until I found your channel and watched your work. It is a talent I never knew I wanted to know as much as I do when I watch your videos!

Your calming peaceful voice is similar to Bob Ross and Mr Rogers. There was a study done about calming sounds and Mr Rogers was part of the study. I think your voice has the same element. I could listen all day. Thank you for bringing peace to my bipolar world.

I never cease to feel a thrill of delight when I see the varnish applied. It is as if the soul has returned to the painting.

I was watching this short video of the Carnegie Museum of Art restoring a painting and I was like, "I know what she's doing! She's putting on an isolation layer!"

That smile on julien’s face when he discovered the artist’s signature was absolutely priceless. You can always tell in moments like that when someone really loves their work ☺️

With people like you or my mechanics on KZfaq, we, the viewers, are like content junkies waiting for our fix!

I was in the middle of editing the illustrations for my new book on Scottish architecture and thinking that a cup of tea was in order when the notification bell rang. So I immediately downed photographs, spreadsheets and text for a restful and informative interlude in the midst of an otherwise tedious, although essential, task. Thanks as always.

I kinda like how he never edits out the narration mistake and repeats 😁 , nobody is perfect

he cut the painting from the support like thieves in heist movies, the madlad

😭 when you get the notification and you don't have time to watch! My boss is not going to understand "Sorry I'm late, I was watching Julian restore a painting."

Ah, my two favorite things on this channel: heavily discolored varnish and grime. The clean-up is always so satisfying.

I'm curious as to why Julian didn't put a barrier layer of varnish between the original paint and his retouching like he does in many of the other videos. Maybe because the retouching was so minimal.

*Thank you Julian* for keeping the [intro] because regardless of how advanced technology becomes, and no matter how far a robot is upgraded, it'll never have the delicate dexterity human hands have to turn into any tool. Your intro shows everyone how amazing the human hands can be, and no A.I. will ever possess such an incredible tool connected with our training, reasoning, creativity, feelings, and essence to turn the hand into the most amazing tool ever designed.

Since watching you're amazing videos I have become less afraid in investing in paintings I love but are so dark that it is hard to see any details. As an amateur collector I had always assumed there was not much more in paintings other than what the eye can see. My interest in restorations started with my daughters internship in Italy restoring ancient relics. You are so amazing with your work! Thank you for sharing!

I never miss these, and I love everything that Julian does, and I especially love his insightful and deft commentary, but just once I want him to say "the previous conservator was brilliant."

One thing I would really love to hear is an estimated time that the last restoration/conservation took place (if possible). To have an idea of time scales involved in the degradation of previous work done would be really interesting!

You should make compilation of before and after of all the works you have done. It is so satisfying to watch it.

The gel solvent on the face looks so satisfying. Looks like he is peeling instead of dissolving.

When I need to listen to something soothing & calming,..(I have anxiety/panic disorder, & sleep issues) ..I find just Listening, to Julian's videos....w/that Soft, Soothing, Calming voice...helps me to relax better than those "Listen to my voice while I talk u to sleep", "hypnotic" type videos! I find myself very relaxed, and.....yes, sometimes....asleep. If so, then I go back & rewatch it later. I very often find myself listening to a playlist of Baumgartner Restoration videos....I find them far more relaxing, more soothing!

I can't wait to see the dark varnish come off! It was great how thrilled you were to see the name unveiled on the back. Such genuine joy and delight.

I wonder if Julien has ever had a painting where it was either so new or so neglected that he was the first person to ever do conservation work on it.

Have you ever wondered if some of the lined paintings you get are that way because someone cut it out of its frame when steeling it? Have you ever received a painting that you then learned it was actually stolen and never recovered either when in your possession or after it left your studio?

I'm so proud of myself that I recognised this painting had been abraded straight away, you've taught me so much

I love that moment when the final coat of varnish goes on. The painting bursts forth in all its intended glory!

Plaque in museum five thousand years from now. "This material is canvas, a highly prized commodity among the primitives, often displayed on walls as a sign of affluence. This example is discolored with an unknown substance, but the preservative layer has been masterfully applied using a now lost technology"

Just a couple of random questions please Julian. 1. Do you have to have the owner’s permission before you can make a video of a project? 2. How much of your work is strictly cleaning/minor retouch as opposed to major damage (tears, missing canvas)? Watching you work is just amazing because of what is revealed and just what can be repaired. Just amazing! 3. Could you please share what piano music you use when you “take a break” on long projects for us? 4. Could you do many more videos of cleaning with piano? Not such a production for you but restful and uplifting for me!

I love how you used Spencerian script as the font for the title. I've spent a few years learning it, though I don't do calligraphy as much anymore, my regular penmanship is a casual Spencerian

I always enjoy seeing the true colours be revealed when the yellowed varnish is removed!!!

Because your restoration work is second to none, a Gentleman was Revealed, truly!! Stunning talent & how very gifted you are.

Absolutely loved this! My siblings are cousins of Gilbert Stewart so I love finding videos like this because I feel a littler closer to them!

I love watching the more complicated restorations because I'm always curious how the can be fixed. I also love the simplicity of an "easy" restoration like this.

Gotta love how Julian effortlessly throws shade on whomever had worked on the artwork currently under his care. 😆

I always read the comments first to see how astute the fellowship is.

Omg🧐 Suddenly you can even see the beard shadow of the portrait Sitter ... Fantastic!

It's always satisfying when the painting starts out looking like it used to be hung in a coal mine, and watching it be revealed from under the murky gunk.

Before and after photo are so different. You did a “spot on” job, Julian. When you say this is a copy by the painter who also did G. Washington, were you referring to the portrait that appeared incomplete and hung in a lot of school rooms? Interesting backstory. I know portraits were the only means of imaging the past. Silhouettes were popular too.

The King returns to youtube with a great video to wind down and learn from. Much love, Julian.

That was one of the dirtiest paintings I've seen here so far. It's incredible how vibrant it became after cleaning, retouching, and varnishing. The whole background changed revealing that there's more than just dark brown color.

Wonderful video! Thanks so much for creating this.

Love watching your videos. Slow, soothing and always teaching me things.

Gorgeous work, as usual, Julian. Thanks for sharing this lovely painting and your expertise. What a change and glad you didn't have a fight on your hands.

Julian, I was having an anxiety attack when I opened youtube and was so quickly relieved when I started this video! Thank you!

As a composer and jazz musician, I can attest to the method of learning that has you imitate historic models as a step in developing your own voice. A composition teacher of mine used to say "Imitation, assimilation, innovation, in that order, or you'll never reach where you're trying to go."

Looks so beautiful, cant wait to watch this ❤

Love the point by point reasoning and detail.

Beautiful work as always!

On the subject of copies, I always think back to Clark Terry's famous description of creative growth: Imitate, Assimilate, Innovate.

Wonderful job, as always! It’s nice that you had a pleasant painting to do this week. I got all your references to past videos!

I’m so curious how he prices things because he invests so much time and effort into them and each one is so different

So wonderful to wake up this morning to see a new video by my KZfaq friend Julian. Love watching the magic happen & listening to Julian's voice. If he ever had to stop doing restorations, he could become a narrator for anything. Soothing, calm! Love watching!

Your videos are fantastic, I never thought that a subject like this could be vaguely interesting, but I have watched hours of your work - Your patience is amazing, thank you for taking the time to upload these videos, absolutely fascinating!

Not only does he restore art, he made the guy in the portrait look 10 years younger!

sooo relaxing to watch! thank you!

Always a pleasure to watch ,listen and learn

Big ups to James G. for doing a great job painting this and Julian for restoring it to it's majestic form.

Brilliant work, vibrant and the colours are stunning.

Oh it's that time already...half an hour of relaxation and quiet revelation...pure joy...

Thank you Julian. I have been struggling to get some rest lately... I just watched two back to back videos and I am dozing on and off. FINALLY... I finally can go to sleep. Your voice is so calming and relaxing. Thank you so very much for having such a calm, relaxing, and gentle voice

Wow... absolutely beautiful skilled work and artistry ✨I so enjoy watching you restore these masterpieces, Magnificent✨

Wow. Just wow. Every time I watch one of your videos I can't help but be amazed at the transition from dull and dying to vibrant and full of life! Beautiful!

Another amazing transformation. Love it. Thank you Julian for your informative videos. I love the before and after too.

It's been a while since I've been suggested one of your videos by the algorithm. I' glad it did. Beautiful work. Even removing the grime and varnish alone was a game changer.

The fact that there are people like you who do so much to preserve these works makes me so happy!! Your work is always outstanding!!! If I could afford to I'd get you to do my grandmother's painting. I would never attempt to do it myself!!! Thank you for everything you do and for sharing it!!

The camera work in this video is stellar. Wonderful natural lighting with dramatic shadows, a brush in focus over a close and intimate look of the canvas. It all works together to create a wonderful stylistic composition that is inviting, warm, and close to the journey of the work on display. love the vids

Love that cocky little brush twirl at the end after he finished the varnish. Truly a master at work. ☺

Incredible transformation! Thank You for sharing your beautiful work with us!!

You definitely need a T Shirt with "Always go mild..."

It's a GOOD day when I hear Julian's gentle soothing voice explaining a conservation while I watch 💖 Thank you!!! You are awesome.

I've been waiting for more videos. They're so relaxing

Another impressive cleaning, retouching, all the conservation, just beautiful

Every time a new painting it is like Christmas morning opening a gift, amazing in all ways.

The colors went from potatoe to shiny white... impressive job. I knew smoke was bad for paintings but never saw that amount before 😅.

Thank You Very Much Julian..... So much fun. I am walking on air again & again each time I rewind & re-watch the certain spots you alone know I am re-watching, ha. ..... ...TM

You inspire me as an artist, you help me see that even if i make something i dont think is the greatest, someone might just love it enough that it becomes valuable in a way i never thought. 😊❤🧡💛💚💙💜

Julian, just curious, when you were dealing with that monster known as a polyurethane coated painting and had to scrape BOTH sides of the canvas, someone from the UK suggested using liquid nitrogen to freeze it and then scrape it off. Have you been able to find equipment to do that? Or you still haven't received any orders to clean paintings like that yet?

stunning work!

Why do I never tire of seeing you bring paintings back to life? Its......magical. Thanks for sharing.

His voice is so delightful!!!! I would love to hear audiobooks from him. And once again, marvelous work

Whenever he mentions seeing painting as the artist intended, I can't help to wonder are we really seeing the true glory of these paintings? I mean, even though Julian removed all the dirt and grime and old varnish, colors still naturally change and shift, all the small cracks and loss also add to the overall change of tone in color (color gets more muted, less saturated and less vibrant...). I don't think we can actually see the full glory of how any of this old paintings looked like, only the closest possible version of it. Would be interesting to see the real difference of some old photographed (in color) painting and its cleaned today's version. There was really good color photography even 100 years ago, so there might be some paintings that were photographed back then.

The original Gilbert Stuart of Joseph Anthony, Jr., is at the Met, so it’s easy to look it up and make the comparison. It’s a rather free copy. It does make me want to know more about the copyist, who may have worked on an easel in the museum gallery, as you can see copyists working theses days - at least when Covid hasn’t closed the museums. This is another lovely video to enjoy in hard times.

I may be only a recent subscriber but I absolutely adore the poetry of intent expressed with the restoration/rebirth of these pieces of artists' souls. I often feel that some past conservators would weep if they could see the damage their best intentions had caused. The tools we now posses and the practically medicinal aspect of conservation, "first do no harm", are things that they would have embraced wholeheartedly. Then there is the, "It's too big to fit over my mantle - just lop a foot off the bottom", attitude to art - where art served a specific purpose or it was discarded. Time has given it a value beyond the practical application as an insight into human cognition. Our reverence of history is so disjointed from the practicalities of the time, and so valuable because of the juxtaposition. The pure enjoyment of watching beauty unveil itself in your vids is something that can be relished even without any 'deep meaning' or 'insight'.

4:43 his reaction makes me want to hide fun little easter eggs in lining layers of my paintings for future restorers to find. Thanks for the idea!