Have you ever wondered how an art collection can impact the legacy of art history and your local art community?

In this article, we explore the impact of late art collector Allen Lay’s work and legacy.

At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL), we’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible collectors, but few left as lasting an impression on as Allen Lay. His passion for early California art, combined with his deep respect for historical preservation, made our work with him both rewarding and meaningful. In this article, we’ll share our journey with Allen, how we helped preserve his collection for future generations, and how FACL’s art conservation services can do the same for your collection.

Remembering Allen Lay: A Passionate Collector of Early California Art

Allen Lay was not just an art collector; he was a champion of early California art and a long-standing member of the Historical Collections Council of California Art (HCC-CA). Over nearly 40 years, he played a key role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage by collecting significant pieces of WPA art and supporting artists from the early 20th century.

Despite Allen’s declining health in his later years, his love for art never wavered. He was referred to us by Ray Redfern of the Redfern Gallery in Laguna Beach, California, and it was clear from the start that Allen’s collection was something special. He had spent decades building it, and his attention to detail was evident in the way he cared for each painting. One of his favorite pieces, Donna Schuster’s “Girl in Pink Dress”, hung in his bedroom, offering him comfort and joy even in his final days.

A Deeply Personal Connection to His Collection

Allen was the type of person who didn’t just acquire art for investment purposes—he collected pieces that spoke to him. His collection reflected his life, passions, and love for California’s rich artistic history. He was especially drawn to vintage oil paintings by artists like Donna Schuster and other early California painters. I remember visiting him, even in his advanced age, and seeing the light in his eyes when we discussed the restoration process. He had such a deep appreciation for art conservation and was enthusiastic about ensuring his collection would continue to inspire future generations.

Allen wasn’t just preserving paintings; he was preserving stories, memories, and the legacy of early California art. This is something we at FACL take great pride in helping with—ensuring that collections like Allen’s not only survive but thrive long into the future.

Our Role at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

When Allen trusted us with his collection, we knew the responsibility was enormous. We don’t just clean paintings and patch up old canvases—we preserve the very essence of the art itself. This means respecting the artist’s original intent and ensuring the artwork remains structurally sound and visually vibrant for decades to come.

Art Conservation Services for Allen Lay’s Collection

FACL’s head art conservator, Scott M. Haskins, evaluating the condition of an heirloom painting

We used a combination of art conservation and vintage oil painting restoration techniques to bring Allen’s collection back to life. Some of the challenges we encountered included yellowed varnishes, minor abrasions, and environmental damage from aging. Our goal was not just to make the paintings look “better” but to restore them to their original glory, preserving both their historical significance and aesthetic value.

Special Techniques Used

One of Allen’s most treasured pieces was Donna Schuster’s “Girl in Pink Dress”. The painting had seen better days, with discoloration and grime obscuring much of its charm. We carefully removed the yellowed varnish, revealing the bright and beautiful colors underneath. But that wasn’t all—on the reverse side of the canvas, there was another stunning painting by Schuster, titled “Water Lilies #3”. We ensured that both sides were equally well-preserved, allowing future owners to appreciate Schuster’s full artistic range.

How FACL, Inc. Preserves Collections Like Allen’s: Our Art Conservation Process

Many collectors, like Allen, wonder how we preserve vintage oil paintings for the long term. Our process at FACL, Inc. is meticulous and tailored to the specific needs of each artwork. Here’s how we typically approach art conservation for collections like Allen’s.

1. Surface Cleaning and Varnish Removal

The first step in many restoration projects involves carefully cleaning the surface of the painting. Over time, dust, smoke, and pollutants can settle on the surface, dulling the colors and obscuring details. For vintage oil paintings, old varnishes can also discolor, turning a once-vibrant painting into a yellowed shadow of itself. Our team uses specialized cleaning solutions to remove these layers without damaging the paint underneath.

2. Structural Stabilization

Ripped… and then ripped some more from being leaned on in storage. It looks like Mr. Bean was in change!

For older paintings, the canvas and paint layers may weaken over time. We take steps to stabilize the artwork, ensuring it can withstand environmental conditions for many years to come. This can involve re-lining the canvas or applying conservation-grade materials to repair tears or cracks in the paint.

3. Framing and Protection

FACL offers professional framing services

Once the artwork has been cleaned and stabilized, we focus on protecting it from future damage. This often involves reframing the painting using conservation-grade materials, such as acid-free mats and professional framing. For Allen’s collection, we made sure that each piece was not only restored but also housed in frames that would protect them for decades.

Allen Lay’s Legacy: The Importance of Art Conservation for Early California Art

Allen’s passing this week has left a void in the world of early California art, but his legacy lives on through his collection. His dedication to preserving his artwork for future generations is a testament to the importance of art conservation. Without proper care, paintings—especially those as old as Allen’s—can quickly deteriorate, losing both their beauty and their historical significance.

The Broader Impact of His Collection

As a leader in the HCC-CA, Allen’s work helped elevate early California art to its rightful place in history. He worked tirelessly to ensure that pieces from artists like Donna Schuster and others would be preserved for future generations to enjoy and study. His collection is more than just a grouping of paintings—it’s a representation of California’s cultural heritage, a window into the past.

Why Art Conservation Matters for Every Collector

Whether you have a small personal collection or an extensive portfolio like Allen Lay’s, it’s crucial to prioritize the conservation of your artwork. Art, especially vintage oil paintings, is delicate. Without the proper care, it can fade, crack, or deteriorate over time.

At Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, Inc., we specialize in working with collectors to preserve their pieces for the long term. From surface cleaning to structural stabilization, we tailor our approach to the unique needs of each painting. Our goal is to ensure that your art not only survives but continues to inspire future generations, just as Allen’s collection will.

What Types of Art Benefit from Our Conservation Services?

Allen Lay’s collection consisted primarily of vintage oil paintings from the early California art period. This type of artwork typically requires specific conservation techniques, which we are well-versed in at FACL, Inc.

Here’s a brief overview of the types of art we typically work with and how our services can benefit you:

– Vintage Oil Paintings: We clean, stabilize, and protect oil paintings that have been affected by aging, environmental damage, or improper storage.
– WPA Murals and Historical Art: We also specialize in large-scale projects, including the preservation of WPA murals and public art. These types of works require careful handling and expert knowledge to ensure their preservation.
– Early California Art: If you own pieces from this period, you can trust FACL’s expertise. We’ve worked with notable collectors, galleries, and museums to conserve some of the most important pieces in California’s art history.

Conclusion: Honoring Allen Lay and Preserving Art for Future Generations

Allen Lay’s passion for art lives on through the careful conservation of his collection. His dedication to preserving early California art is something we at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories take great pride in helping with. We are honored to have played a role in ensuring his collection will inspire and educate future generations.

If you own valuable art, especially vintage oil paintings or early California art, it’s time to consider a condition evaluation. Protect your collection and honor its legacy by reaching out to us today, especially if you have questions about art conservation or related topics. At FACL, we bring decades of experience and passion to every piece we restore, ensuring that art remains a vibrant part of our cultural heritage.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Fine Art Conservation Laboratories at 805-564-3438.