In 2010, I dropped off 3 family paintings with Nishio Conservation Studio. I was told by the owner Mr. Yoshi Nishio that he would fully inspect the paintings, including removing each painting from its frame, to determine how to best preserve and reframe the artwork. We agreed that this was especially important for one piece because because there was newsprint that was used in framing the piece, and I was concerned that the acidic paper may have been damaging the picture.
Mr. Nishio stated that disassembling and examining the pieces would take one month and cost $350 for the examination and an estimate for their restoration. I inquired about the pieces after a month via phone, and was told they were not ready. A few weeks later, I inquired in writing (email), with a note to please retain all the pieces after disassembling the frames. Mr. Nishio assured me that the pieces were ready for pick up and had been examined, and did not comment when I inquired via email about the newsprint. Instead, I was provided a 1.5 page outline stating the condition of each piece, and I noted that all the items were things i had already stated to him (painting was cut, has adhesive on it, etc. All the observations were things that a lay person could see by just looking at the piece in the frame, without actually doing any dissembling.)
When I came to pick up the pieces, it was obvious that the frames and paintings had not be disassembled. I was still charged $350.00. I protested, stating that he had not performed the work I had asked, including removing the newsprint. I had been clear verbally that the point was to specifically disassemble the pieces, and I have in email my comment about the newsprint. He refused to address my concerns and said that he had provided me an evaluation. I was amazed at how he could justify charging me $350.00 for no knowledge gained, and obviously very minimal labor. $350 for an estimate based on how the pictures looked in the frames? I paid and got out of there.
Just so others can put this in context, the restoration of these pieces can easily run several thousands of dollars. There is no way I would enter a contract like that with someone who does not deliver and has such poor customer service. Perhaps because I am not a museum, or a famous client, my patronage was not taken seriously. read more