Ep 23. Historic Paintings; Wood Utensils
- June 29, 2019
In season 17, episode 23 of Ask This Old House, the team explores the world of historic paintings and wood utensils. Host Kevin O'Connor meets with an art conservator to learn about the process of preserving and restoring historic paintings. The conservator demonstrates how to remove the varnish from an oil painting and how to repair damaged areas with a special filler. Kevin also gets a lesson in art history, learning about the use of ultraviolet light to identify old varnish and pigment layers.
Next, the team travels to a woodworking shop to learn about the benefits of using wooden utensils in the kitchen. Kevin talks with the owner about the properties of different types of wood and how they can affect the taste of food. The team also gets a lesson in carving utensils from a master woodworker and explores the benefits of hand-carved utensils versus mass-produced ones.
Throughout the episode, the team offers useful tips and tricks for viewers who want to try their hand at preserving art or woodworking. For instance, they suggest purchasing a UV flashlight to identify old varnish and pigment layers in a painting. They also recommend using a beeswax finish on wooden utensils to protect the wood and repel water.
Overall, Ask This Old House season 17, episode 23 blends history, art, and woodworking in a fascinating and informative episode. With insights from experts in both fields, viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and ingenuity that goes into restoring historic artwork and crafting handmade wooden utensils.
