This video struck a cord with me. Years ago, our family lost 99% of what we owned in a house fire plus 1 family pet. We all survived but the scars ran deeper. It was the loss of photographs, family heirlooms, childhood keepsakes, to say nothing of all the hard work, time and money spent over the years, making the house a home for 8 children. My family recovered eventually so I can know how this family cherishes this keepsake. Thank you for helping them.

Sometimes your shorter videos give forth a more poignant insight into your empathy for people and their experiences. You have such faith in the things that matter, Julian. It's truly beautiful to see you restore this one piece of their life.

It's amazing how it turned from B&W to a colorful painting. Great job.

Your words caused tears to flow because my house is filled with ‘avatars’ of all my deceased loved ones. Each little vase, clock, figurine, painting, book, furniture, etc is a memory of someone I loved that is now gone. Thank you Mr. B for validating my silly attachment to these ‘things’.

The very first corner you cleaned went from so dark to so bright that I was immediately floored and excited to see the rest of the painting. The difference is jaw dropping.

My dad brought a painting home in 1973. He was a real estate agent and his broker gifted him this huge and naively painted lake scene. It has a fire that is too large for the composition, and a tent that is too small, with a canoe that is just about the right size. It is a night scene and the fire illuminates the trees under a full moon. It is such a whimsical painting, and it is HUGE. It fills an average sized wall, with it's gold mid century modern frame. It is about 6 ft wide and 2 feet tall. It fit well in our mid century modern chalet style house with its wooden paneling and knotty pine ceilings. But my dad died, and we lost our home. My mom held on to this painting longer than she wanted to, because it didn't fit our new home. So she went to throw it out. My son was the one who pleaded with my mom to not toss it out. So she gave it to him. Now she is gone too. And my son and I live in her home, with all of her things around us, and we've put that painting in a place of pride. It fits with the way we've arranged everything. That painting has a deep impact on not just me and my son, but all of my siblings love it. It isn't well painted from a technical point of view. But it has the power to transport me not only like a time machine to the home it once set in, where it looked like it belonged. It transports me to when I would look at it with my child's mind, imagining being at that lake, by that fire, under a full moon. And for me it is the most treasured art object that I own. And I have quite a few now.

We had a house fire 15 years ago and everything was covered in black acrid soot. The insurance company art restorer was not willing to take on the removal of the soot from our favorite oil painting, so I did it myself - I had nothing to lose. With cue tips, a toothbrush and an incredibly dilute mix of water and toothpaste I was able to clean it enough such that I could hand it off to the restorer to finish it off. The painting is now hanging on our walls not much worse for its horrendous experience! This experience makes me all the more in awe of this incredible restorer!

Pure poetry. All of it. The narrative, the painting, the music, the backstory... Absolutely beautiful.

The fact that the actual painting was basically in perfect condition aside from the ash and soot and dirt is actually incredible. Not only did the painting survive, but after cleaning it, it didn't even need further restoration. That's really a miracle.

The artist was able to catch the winter light so delicately. Underneath all the soot and grime, you couldn't see it. Beautiful!

this restoration and its story reduced me to tears, there is magic in that for all...... bravo!!!!

It's amazing how you don't see your work as a mere job but as a true vocation. There's true determination in what you're doing and knowing that that's your part on forming the world around us. Giving things a second, third or fourth life. Rescuing artists from the void of oblivion. And healing wounds of people by keeping their emotional bonding intact. And in my case: leaving me in awe every time I watch your videos and admire this form of devotion. Thank you for this, Julian!

I have witnessed many restorations by you. No painting has spoken to me like this one. Stunning!

First, I was thrilled to see the young ladies hair flying behind her as she skated. Then, a black dog racing across the ice. Oh, there's a fire there! The lights glowing in the windows, and I realized it could have been painted in the little town in Michigan I grew up in. There are many old farmhouses like this house, with grandchildren playing in the winter evening gloom, while grandpa in his hat with earflaps stands close to the fire, and his old farm dog races to keep up with the kids. Now I am homesick...

When my childhood home burned down, my father found several oil paintings in the ruins. He brought them back to life the same way you do. A very easy solution of brown soap and water, without the help of preservatives. They have now lasted for over 50 years. When my father died we auctioned two of the pictures. They brought in a total of $60,000!

At a time when minimalism is celebrated, we need to remember the sign posts of our past, the little and the big. As Miss Bernadette Banner said, "You're allowed to find joy in stuff!" I grew up near a skating pond, and I remember the sounds of voices coming across the pond and the smell of wood burning. Lovely painting. Thank you, Julian.

This is exactly why I only watch Julian, nobody compares to him. Not just in his work , but in how he sees things. Pleasure to be part of this community ! X

Amazing how it goes from being a "somebody's grandma bought that from a garage sale 40 years ago" painting to this scene that conveys warmth and light and a sense of place and time.

Thank you for your philosophical thoughts. Working through all that as we pack up my mother-in-law's house as she transitions to a home and my dad's place after he passed away. Some items are so much more than mere stuff. Your work is amazing! I am sure the family will be thrilled to have this painting rise from the ashes.

My family lost my childhood home to a fire about a year ago and my parents lost nearly everything, including a lot of my own personal art. This video and it’s sentiments are so lovely. Thank you for helping this family have something back.

As I sit in my living room, with my grandmother's furniture around me, this hit hard

Great sentiments. This painting was a metaphor for me about what makes this channel so popular. I was thinking today how many people Julian's videos helped through the Covid times. They are so grounded, thoughtful, Zen-like, patient and always perseverance - and those attributes are always rewarded at the end with beauty returned. It's not just the painting restoration that is so appealing (though a part) but Julian's always insightful and thoughtful words, delivered in a calming cadence - and with never an "um" or "like" or "you know" to clutter it. How nice!

For those wondering, the piano piece is "Tears of the calm wind (original motion picture sundtrack)" by Acoustic Instrumentall Vibes.

People are always more important than things - but when the people pass on, their things are the tangible memories of them.

This brings back vivid memories and thank you for helping this family move on from their grief.

May not have been the difficult restoration I've watchef, but the most heart felt. To restore it to its former glory after a fire...just wow!

Your gentle and loving narration brought tears to my eyes. Your talent knows no bounds. Congratulations

Having lost everything in a house fire, I can relate to how the owners of this painting must have felt. I'm very glad you were able to restore it for them.

What you do is more than restore a painting. You bring a painting back to life and touch our hearts with that painting. Thank you.

You made me cry ... sad tears for their losses from the fire, and then happy tears for giving them back something precious to their hearts. Thank you for your words and heart. ♥️

As well as being an art conservator, you are also a wordsmith. My heart breaks for that poor family and the loss of their home and belongings. I'm so very happy that they managed to salvage this painting and that you were able to repair it. Great work as always Julian.

Your words and artistry are art themselves. Thank you for making my day. 🙏🥰🌹

Oh, to see the reaction of the family when this piece comes home and they open the box. I hope there are as many tears of joy as I imagine.

I love the transformation of this painting. This channel has given me a whole new perspective on art. I visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam recently, where they're currently working on the Nightwatch. Because of this channel I understood a lot more of the processes involved.Thank you.

Another beautiful restoration. But even more, your fantastic narration. I love watching you work!❤

It’s a pleasure to watch someone as dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable as you whilst at your vocation. You certainly matter to us who are following along.

Amazing! How beautiful this painting was underneath that soot, etc. i’m sure the owners will be really grateful.

I left behind my scarf of eight years at a restaurant last Friday, and only was able to retrieve it the next Sunday without clearly knowing its state in the meantime. The kind of upset and relief I felt through that experience was a wild rollercoaster; at first, it was being uneasily hopeful, then initiating the five stages of grief when I think it may be gone forever, then the relief of setting my eyes upon it, and then... Sheer euphoria.

I have never been brought to tears by words before! You are an amazing wordsmith when it comes to designing the thought behind what you say!

This transformation is absolutly stunning!

I did photographic restoration for almost 20 years, working on either (rarely) the original, if it was in good enough condition, but usually had to be copied first. Then working on the copy to "restore" the image. You are so right, it is what matters. After fires, floods, any calamity, the things people look for are the pictures and photo albums. It was very rewarding to be able to save the memories in the images for people. They were so grateful. I never knew how to repair paintings, but have learned a few things from you. I retired several years ago but appreciate your work tremendously! Thank you!

You captured not only the importance of one painting to a family that lost virtually everything else, but you captured the way my soul feels about all of the work I do, capturing everything that I can to keep, restore and maintain my family history. Artist or Family Historian - it all falls into the same place. Deep seated conviction that what we do is very important. Thank you for your words and your deeds.

This is probably one of the most beautiful videos you've ever done, Julian. I loved the narration and the transformation of the painting is amazing.

I appreciate that your commentary is not simple. It's almost poetry which is effort worth appreciation. Thanks.

I could completely relate to how you were speaking about this painting and the family who it belongs to. Having to deal with that kind of devastating loss and trying desperately to hold on to and salvage that memory. Thank you for sharing your work and the story behind it.

Hockey , skating’s, winter , play in the snow , this is call my Canadian soul

Wow! At first I thought it was a night scene. So brilliant when cleaned. Thank you for restoring their memories.

The piano piece is "Tears of the Calm Wind" for anyone interested.

Julian, your narration is spot on. Artifacts and objects are more than mere "things". They embody the labor and cares of persons who made them.

Thank you for saving this painting and allowing us to see the massive change. You preformed a miracle for that painting and the people who hold it dear.

Your thoughts and the wonderful revelation were very moving. Marvelous !

it’s absolutely amazing to see people still care so much about old art, it makes me happy

I'm Canadian, this painting appeals to me. The kids are outside playing Hockey during the Winter. I can almost hear one of the kids think to himself.... *"Today i'm Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadiens...and it's the Stanley Cup finals"* "Aujourd’hui, je suis Guy Lafleur des les Canadiens de Montréal...et c’est la finale de la Coupe Stanley"

I was watching a PBS special on the Mona Lisa and the painting had some old conservation and really old natural resin varnish that had yellowed. The curator admitted as much and the whole time I was watching all I could think was "I would LOVE to see J Baumgartner do a conservation on her

I grew up in the 80s in Central Ontario. This image is basically what weekends and after school in our winter was. It was great to see it come back to life. It kind of reminded me of the art for Roch Carrier's book "the hockey sweater"

Even though you are a restorer of someone elses work, I see you as a great artist in your own right. Wonderful job, as always...!

About Over a year ago, there was an electrical fire in the garage which moved to the laundry room that was connected then the dining room. We had just moved into that house so many of our things were in the garage. The things in our rooms were ok mostly dirty from smoke or some water damage, but the stuff in the garage was all gone. So many memories gone.

I like this painting the most out of every one of those you have restored. It has a sense of place, animation and meaning that seem to emerge from the medium in a quite compelling way - the perspective on the house is truly masterful as is the relationship between the players and skater. Thank you for cleaning this picture and for making and posting this video.

I love the fact that some time ago i knew nothing about art conservation, i wasn't even interested in it. But this channel. It brought me so much joy and passion for something new. I'm genuinely so exited every time i see that you've posted new video. like, hahaha don't mind if i do *clicks the video and leaves a like*

As someone who is currently in the hell of moving and processing entirely Too Much Stuff, this was a very reassuring video. I'm but one in an entire family tree of hoarders, and it's been so frustrating to sort and purge and clean and pack only to find more and more things to process. However, this was a reminder that we're very fortunate in that it has been our choice to part with things that have mattered to us, and be able to re-home them with others who will have the time, energy and resources to love them. I hope that your work has made it easier for this family to keep their heads up and welcome in new things into their lives, things that they will genuinely love and share together so that they do, in fact, matter.

This made me cry. A blend of heart-wrenching and nostalgia-longing tears sprinkled with a bit of unadulterated-joy tears were spilt while watching.

I actually had a print of this painting in my house growing up :) so beautiful to see it cleaned

Moved to tears by this one; I know exactly what that feels like. And to be painting on one screen, while you restore one on the other screen made it feel especially touching. I hope one day the things I paint speak to someone in such a way that they one day would go to great lengths to restore it just to see it again how it was. Art being beautiful in that way, to the artist, the conservator, and the beholder. In all different, but tangible and meaningful ways.

Wow, what a wonderful transformation. I am so happy that this family gets to enjoy this painting for many years to come. It reminds me of an old house that had a pond we skated on when I was a child in North Dakota. Thank you for not only sharing your talent but also your caring

Utterly blown away!!! A beautiful painting that could be straight out of Norman Rockwell. Thank you for sharing this with us.

I swear, you could become a writer. The way you describe things so beautifully, how well you express what you want to say, your carefully chosen words, it’s incredible. And as a bonus, your wonderful voice and calm tone with which you read it out. I’d definitely buy your books

Not only are you a master in your craft but also a master story teller. I'm 100% your father was so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing with us.

Your words put a tear into my eye. Thank you for putting into words feelings I have not been able to vocalise.

"[These objects are] a catalyst for the emotions that send us into a reverie otherwise unattainable." Wow. Just wow. Your craftsmanship with paintings is pretty spectacular, but the poetry of your words is equally as impressive. Thank you for putting words to feelings that are so hard to express.

I have watched and loved your videos without comment till now. You can tell a story with so much love and feeling. To see this painting come to life from the tiny snowman, the fire to gather around and talk, the children interacting with one another. The warm and inviting home that awaits them inside. It brought tears to my eyes because it seems to me those days are gone. But you Julian brought it all back to life. The owner must be overjoyed to have that memory back. Thank you for sharing what you do best.

I really like that painting. Well done restoring it. It looked like it went from an old black-and-white photo to a full color painting. :D

Thanks Julian for the emotions you make us feel through your words and art.

That was beautiful. The way the painting was restored from the soot and ashes to its’ beautiful state once again and in turn, can help the owners rebuild and restore their home in some way. Another amazing video!

I was feeling surprisingly emotional as you spoke. Your restoration of that painting as it progressed lifted my spirits and made me understand how important your work really can be for its owner.

Watching you work is so good for the soul. Thank you

It's like you saved it from the fire all over again. . . Thank you for what you do, and for restoring this painting.

I'm not even half way through your video yet and I have to compliment you on how eloquent your description of items we cherish was so spot on! I may have to have my son listen to that when he scoffs at some of our old family treasures.

Having witnessed and thereby smelled a house fire once, I can very much imagine the smell. Watching this cleanup gave me goosebumps. To say the difference is night and day is an understatement. 😢

Seeing the painting coming back to life was breath taking its this moment in the conservation work that holds most value to me. It’s seeing a glimpse of the day when it was painted.

Julian you are a really talented writer. The story moved me as much as the painting your skill revealed. Well done.

i have watched all your videos, many of them multiple times, but this one and the story behind it really moved me. Beautiful restoration too.

What a wonderful and amazing gift you have given this family after such a terrible tragedy. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Thank you very much for your care, craft, and compassion.

Thankyou for your work and your words I was very moved bu both.

Thank you for your thoughtful words and revealing work❣ These are important.

I almost cried real tears as the image became clearer - thank you for sharing your important work with the world Julian!

Wow, there’s no question that you’re an extraordinary art restorer, but your writing skill is equally impressive. Great job bringing back the painting and providing inspirational commentary.

You broke me completely with this one Julian. I cried through most of this conservation as I know exactly how it feels. Your narration was like a sonnet, the music so apropos that I don't believe I have the ability to express in words just how much this particular conservation touched me. I will just say that you are a sincere pleasure to watch and learn from. Thank you for bringing back some memories of things lost long ago.

I was just thinking of how your videos are my happy place and I entered KZfaq and here this video was. I really needed this, it made me so happy, it was so beautiful and special. A true jewel among all your amazing videos.

The poetic cadence of this video is perfect. I this is one of your best video ever.

Your voice is just so soothing, Julian!!! Amazing job as usual!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

At first this almost resembled a photo negative but as you spoke of the story behind the painting and began to remove the grime what appeared was beyond amazing. I was so happy that you were able to give back to a family that lost so much. I have watched all your videos and look forward to the next.

You are a poet! And this painting is so evocative and emotionally connecting to times gone by. Watching and listening made me cry.

Everything about this short video is beautiful. Amazing and truly beautiful. Thank you!

Such a beautiful transformation. This one really touched my heart. Have no doubt that family were thrilled with your work Julian.

The narration of this story of love and loss, then recovery of the object and the meaning in it, speaks so much to some of us of a certain age. I recently had a roll of old family documents restored. They were professional titles and personal papers of my great-grandfather, dated around 1865. The price of the restoration was significant, but the value of the objects for, hopefully, the next generations of my family, is incalculable. Julian and his work made me appreciate how important it was to invest in that future. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity and the resources to do it. It will be my legacy and my gift ❤

I love this so much. The first video I found from your channel was the painting of the young man that had been slashed. The repairs you made left me in awe and I've been hooked ever since. Seeing this painting revealed from under all that soot makes me smile like that first video did.

Absolutely love your work!! Your videos bring a lot of good vibes, man!

This video project moved me. Sometimes things just come together so well without even trying hard or forcing it. The story of loss in a fire and the emotion and memories that connected for this family to THIS painting...and what a perfect image - tied to home, memories, joy in the movement of the skaters with then knowing the tragic loss in this painting's story just all conspired to make this episode so moving. It all came together beautifully! You developed these elements eloquently and I was moved to emotion as the image and your words developed the message. Poetry and artistry in your own way that sheds light on humanity. This was meaningful. Thank you!

What a wonderful video for many reasons. Not only the restoration, but the story itself and the way you told it. Well done! Carol from California

What a treat! Thank you Julian, for sharing this amazing experience with us! :) xxx