This is a question for readers who happen to live in Hawaii.
I’m hoping to find someone who cleans and restores paintings at a reasonable cost. We have a 1952 oil painting by a Hawaii artist, Sunao Hironaka. The painting is of Swanzy Beach Park in Kaaawa, just down the hill from where we used to live. It’s not museum quality, and so I’m hoping not to have to spend a fortune to get it worked on, but it certainly does need cleaning, and a little restoration. It looks like it was owned by a smoker, which left its colors dull and yellowed. And the years have added to its problems.
Any suggestions? Don’t hold back!
* Biography Sunao Hironaka
“Born in Honolulu, Hironaka attended President William McKinley High School. For his training as an artist, he attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago from which he graduated in 1927. He then returned to Hawaii celebrating the landscapes of the islands in his paintings and photographs. In 1970, he illustrated the book, Haiku of Hawaii, by Annette Schaeffer Morrow. He was closely associated with the Honolulu Academy of Arts and Association of Honolulu Artists” (DRG Fine ART).
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Talk to someone at the Bishop. They’re bound to know the most qualified art restorers for your project.
I was once told to use a piece of white bread and wipe the painting with it. Can’t hurt. Otherwise, I would suggest calling the Academy of Arts (or whatever they are called now) for names. Or UH Art Dept.
Ian – I have used Fine Art Restoration ( 261-5882 / Kai One Pl) in Kailua. Came with very strong recommendation from collector friend and we were extremely happy with his care and results. I wouldn’t suggest doing any cleaning yourself.
Aloha, Hub
Sorry – Philip Blaise
You might check with the Robin Buntin Gallery on Beretania
I would also contact Thor Minnick at 913 Waimanu tel: 597 8142. He and his family have done restoration for the Academy of Arts and the Bishop as well as for the public for many, many years. He may be able to do it or refer you to a capable and affordable cleaner.
Good question! If you do get your painting cleaned by them – please report – I’d like to get one done too but I’m in no rush
Is some of Hironaka’s work on display at the state art museum?
Most likely.
Had one done at the Cedar Gallery.