Damage Report
Conservation
2000-09-30


[transcription]

DAMAGE RERORT [sic]

ARTIST: Ken Lum

TITLE: Phew, I'm Tired

MEDIA: Laminated color print on Sintra, Lacquer, enamel, aluminum

ACC. NO.: VAG 99.35


Description:

On June 21, 2000 a painting fell from the storage screens (see attached damage report) and hit the surface of the Ken Lum work. The surface of the photograph appears to have been damaged in three areas:
- The surface is scratched and scuffed in an area measuring 3.5 x 0.8cm at 30.6T x 70.0L. The damaged area appears on the hair of the individual in the photo, directly above the ear. (See attached photo). The surface of the work in the damaged area appears mat compared to the shiny gloss of the emulsion. There are two distinct scratches through the emulsion layer.
The scratches appear as thin white lines against the figure's dark hair and measure approx. 2.0cm long each.
In the area of the upper L quadrant there are also two, long faint scuff marks across the photo surface:
- in upper L quadrant long, faint scuff 36.0 cm long at 16.OT x 37.0L
- in upper L quadrant long, faint scuff 38.0cm long at 57.OT x 18.0L
These two long scuffs noted above might have been caused on June 21, but I cannot be certain since no condition report was done on this work prior to acquisition.


Restoration Proposal:
It is my opinion that I can minimize the damaged area above the figure's hair by inpainting the scratches and by trying to restore the gloss to the emulsion layer. In spite of my efforts however I feel that the scuffed and scratched area will always be slightly evident.
The two long scuffmarks cannot be restored.
I recommend at this time that we investigate the cost of having the photo panel remade.


Report By: Monica Smith
Date August 30,2000