About the Conservator

Currently the owner of Von Hawk Labs located in Central Florida, I am a traditionally-trained art conservator who specializes in repairing and restoring works on paper and canvas.  My services also include damage assessment, emergency intervention, conservation of glass and wood objects, lectures and consultations.  My working philosophy is that the art always dictates my treatment sequences and the executing artist is the only true voice I follow.  In my work, I honor the artist’s hand as I coax the weft and the warp of the canvas’ fibers to reappear during the treatment process  as the pigments breathe again and the artist’s true intention comes to light. Von Hawk Labs has been restoring and repairing fine art since 1988.

I was truly born to do this work.  I was fascinated with art as a youngster and worked for a local art restorer in high school, while I studied to be a fine artist.  I was encouraged in my efforts by my then neighbor, Norman Rockwell, who would gently critique my work.  After a stint in college as a pre-med student, I realized I wanted to work in the art field so I received both a B.S. in Microbiology and a B.A. in Art History from the State University of New York, Albany. Those chemistry and biology classes came in handy when I began a conservation apprenticeship with Paul Lengyel, a master Old World Craftsman, as I could not find a scholarship that would pay for a formal education in Art Conservation.

I was fortunate to apprentice with Mr. Lengyel, a trained, Russian conservator whose family had worked at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg for generations. He taught me humility, ethics and the need to give back to the community along with a great hands-on education in art conservation.  His favorite saying was, “We serve the artist!”  Through Mr. Lengyel, I was introduced to A.I.C. (American Institute of Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) where, as a member, I soon realized we shared the same values.  Over the years I attended numerous continuing education workshops, lectures and programs through A.I.C. to build my professional knowledge.  In 1988, I opened my own conservation laboratory in a small town near Orlando, FL where I continue to serve institutional and individual clients from around the world.  Supporting my clients through every step of the artwork’s restoration is my hallmark.

Please enjoy viewing the restoration process of the three examples included in this website.  You can also watch a 20-minute video of the restoration of an old map of Seminole County, FL under the link More Projects.  Call me for a phone consultation to discuss any works of art that you would like to see saved and preserved at 352-669-7776 or email me at Alexandra@vonhawklabs.com.  You, the art lovers of the world, are the caretakers of the majority of the world’s art!

Professional Training at a Glance