Overview

Oscar Namatjira (1922-1991) was the son of well-known indigenous Australian artist, Albert Namatjira (1902-1959). Both were members of the Hermannsburg School, an art movement that began in the 1930s and characterised by the use of watercolours to depict the luminous colours of the outback landscape in the Western Arrernte region of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Condition

This piece was assessed as being in fairly poor condition.

It had been fully adhered to an acidic backing board, causing the paper to yellow and discolour. There were also extensive foxing spots across the surface, as well as mountburn, pin holes in the corners, surface dirt, and small losses and tears around the edges. Mat board residues and adhesives were also present on the edges of the piece.

Treatment

The piece underwent a full conservation treatment, including:

• Photo-documentation before and after treatment
• Test stability of media
• Surface cleaning
• Removal of mat board residues and backing board
• Aqueous treatment to remove soluble discolouration and acids
• Reduction of staining, discolouration, foxing and mountburn
• Application of tear repairs
• Humidification and flattening
• Retouching and reframing