Suggestions
April Hann Lanford
Principal at Artifact Services
April Hann Lanford is the Principal and Founder of Artifact Services, a Chicago-based firm specializing in the preservation and protection of works of art and historical artifacts. With a strong passion for antiques and history, she has built a career dedicated to art conservation and restoration, which she describes as an adventure rather than work.1
Education and Background
April holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied Painting, Drawing, Scientific Illustration, and Art History. Her diverse professional experience includes roles such as Vice President at DPR Art Rescue and The Conservation Center, Curatorial Assistant at The Union League Club of Chicago, and Frame Conservation Intern at The Art Institute of Chicago.2
Professional Expertise
Lanford's expertise encompasses:
- Art Preservation: Extensive knowledge in conserving fine art and antiques.
- Disaster Recovery: Proven experience in recovering collections after large-scale disasters.
- Museum Quality Framing: Specializing in the design and display of artworks.
- Client Services: Strong background in managing client relationships and services.2
Contributions and Philosophy
April's work involves not just the technical aspects of conservation but also educating clients about the care of their collections. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each piece's story and condition, which informs her approach to conservation.1 Her philosophy aligns with her belief that following one's passion leads to fulfilling work, as she actively engages with clients who bring unique artworks and antiques to her for care.12
For more information about her work, you can visit Artifact Services' website or connect with her on LinkedIn under the username aprilhannlanford.
Highlights
Currier Before Ives: Conservation of an 1848 Democratic Presidential Campaign Lithograph Read about the treatment of this historic lithograph and antique frame, https://lnkd.in/gJR6mENC
In the late 19th century when Victorian homes were cold and drafty, having cold silverware was a concern. Spoon warmers were considered a fashionable way for the hostess to warm serving spoons. Boiling water would be poured into this shell shaped vessel and the serving spoons would be placed inside to keep them warm on the dining table until they were used to serve a hot dish. With a warm spoon beautifully at hand at the dining table, one would not have to worry about their meal being compromised by a cold spoon. Read more about our treatment on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gCHVD2RB
