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What is Painting Restoration and Why You Need to See it

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Carleton chapter.

I know I’m not the only one who’s fallen down a strange YouTube rabbit hole. Normally these holes can be dark or just plain weird but I was strangely surprised the other day when I found myself spiraling and clicking recommended after recommended video. 

So let me introduce you to my newest interest: painting restoration. 

Yes, you read that right, the relaxing videos I watched as my anxiety about finals and papers dissipated was on a lovely gentleman restoring vintage cracked, ripped and discoloured paintings. 

Baumgartner Restoration

It appears it’s not just me who enjoys watching these videos as YouTuber Baumgartner Restoration has amassed a following of over 1.45 million subscribers. 

It’s not just relaxing as I’m also learning when I watch these videos. About art history, chemistry and woodworking.

And to be honest, if I want to get political I also like these videos with their anti-consumerism messages. We need to restore: reduce, reuse recycle. We need to support local cobblers, and tailors who are masters of their trades and can help our items have a new life. 

Broadening my horizons I looked into it to find out there is so much more out there that needs to be restored. Be it fancy sneakers or expensive purses. There is so much that can be mended and given a new life and more than that, we can witness that revitalization. 

So this is my push for you to check out restoration videos on YouTube if you’re looking for a calming video to watch. There are so many different things that need to be restored I’m sure you can find one that fits your interests.

Alexandra graduated in 2021 with a degree in journalism and professional writing.