Page 10 - V1_2020-Fall-Winter Magazine
P. 10

Perseverance,


                                           preservation,

                           & Porsche












                                                                                                                                       Like appraising a work of art, conservation requires a depth   The Fine Arts Conservancy developed a bespoke sealed system
                                                                                                                                       of knowledge not only regarding a particular artist or their   for the piece, ensuring the interior micro-climate remains
                                                                                                                                       history, but their preferred techniques and the specific   a stable level of humidity—unaffected by the surrounding
                                                                                                                                       chemistry of the materials and media utilized during their   environment—and halting any further deterioration of the 132
                                                                                                                                       period. Proper conservation can take months due to the   year-old paper.
                                                                                                                                       delicate and detailed approach required, as well as the
                                                                                                                                       industry ethics standard requiring all work to be reversible   Of course, Braman Motorcars mirrors this same attention to
                                                                                                                                       so as to protect the integrity of the original piece. The Fine   detail and dedication in doing whatever is necessary for clients.
                                                                                                                                       Arts Conservancy’s reputation for excellence in the field   These shared sentiments contributed in part to Laney and
                                                                                                                                       has resulted in the team being entrusted with works from   Gordon purchasing their jet black Porsche Panamera. Perhaps
                                                                                                                                       preeminent international museums and galleries like the   better than most, Laney and Gordon can appreciate the
                                                                                                                                       National Academy of Design in New York.            expertise of the Porsche West Palm Beach service and support
                                                                                                                                                                                          team. As active and appreciative Club Braman members
                                                                                                                                       Hundreds of years of poor previous restoration efforts are only   themselves, the pair plan to continue to partner with Braman
                                                                                                                                       one of the challenges that Laney and Gordon face. Fungus   Motorcars for future events.
                                                                                                                                       and mold; humidity and heat; light; pollution and wear from
                                                                                                                                       sloppy transportation all have detrimental effects on the often   Still, unlike vehicle maintenance—no matter how
                                                                                                                                       delicate media. Solutions require intense organization, and at   specialized—Laney admits that their profession allows only
                                                                                                                                       times, creativity. Recently, a watercolor depicting Napoleon at   one shot to get things right. It makes for exhilarating work
                                                                                                                                       the Battle of Friedland was brought in. The oil version of the   on a daily basis, and the Fine Arts Conservancy has firmly
                                                                                                                                       same painting is featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.   established itself as peerless in the industry. It’s a bar Braman
                                                                                                                                                                                          Motorcars plans to emulate as the decades—and with luck,
                                                                                                                                                                                          centuries— continue on.

                                                                                                                                         To learn more about the Fine Arts Conservancy,
                                                                                                                                         visit Art-Conservation.org.






                             CONVENTIONAL WISDOM HOLDS THAT  the older and more expensive the vehicle, the more expertise required
                           to care for and maintain it. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Porsche owners accept this obligation as they receive the
                           keys to their dream automobiles; an expected sacrifice for the privilege of owning one of the finest products in
                           the world.

                           Of course, much of this upkeep is covered under warranty, and few will own their chosen chariots for
                           decades—much less centuries. However, such is the challenge faced by Laney and Gordon Lewis, owners of the
                           Fine Arts Conservancy. Preserving near-priceless works of art takes an immense amount of time, effort, and
                           resources, because—as any amateur collector quickly learns—condition is everything.








          10                                                                                                                                                                                                                   clubbraman.com 11
   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15