Recording Condition Report (Simon with Blacklight)
Gustave Blache III, 2014.

Who we are

Blache Art Conservation Group (BACG) is a private conservation practice based in New York City, dedicated to the care, preservation, and treatment of Modern, Post-War, and Contemporary artworks.

We believe that every work of art deserves thoughtful, informed, and respectful care.

Our conservators specialize in the treatment and structural repair of paintings, sculptures, objects, and mixed media. We also collaborate with a trusted network of specialists in paper, photographic, and textile conservation to provide comprehensive services for collections with diverse material needs.

Our research-driven, customized approach to each project draws on the latest developments in conservation science and current industry best practices. When appropriate, we engage directly with living artists or their representatives to ensure treatments align with the original materials, processes, and intent of the artwork.

Our Clients

BACG serves a wide range of clients, including:

  • Private and corporate collections

  • Leading contemporary galleries

  • Cultural institutions and museums

  • Artist foundations and estates

  • Auction houses, appraisers, and insurance providers

  • Fine art logistics and storage facilities

  • International Art Fairs

Meet the BACG Team

Our multidisciplinary team of conservators and strategists brings deep expertise across a wide variety of media, including paintings, sculptures, objects, and mixed media works.


  • Managing Director

    Gustave Blache III is the Managing Director of Blache Art Conservation Group (BACG), with over 20 years of experience in the field of art conservation. He began his career under the mentorship of the late Simon Parkes, founder of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, where he gained invaluable expertise. In addition to overseeing management BACG’s conservation operations, Gustave is a world-renowned artist whose work is held in permanent collections across the United States, including the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.


  • Conservator and Art Restoration Specialist

    With over 40 years of experience, Maria Iosifescu is a highly skilled conservator specializing in the restoration of Old Masters, 19th Century, Impressionist, Modern, and Contemporary paintings. Based in New York City, Maria provides expert services to top auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonham’s, as well as museums, galleries, and private collectors worldwide, including the Joey Tanenbaum Collection in Toronto.

    Maria has collaborated with international restoration studios, particularly in Rome and Turin, Italy, and has developed expertise in Italian conservation techniques. She offers condition reports, conservation proposals, and pre-sale estimates for major auction houses and has worked on large-scale projects in partnership with Rava and Gaggi studios.


  • Condition Reports and Treatment Proposals

    Mala Iqbal brings 18 years of experience in art conservation report writing to the Blache Art Conservation Group. Previously the studio manager at Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Mala worked directly under the mentorship of renowned conservator Simon Parkes. This experience allowed her to refine her skills in assessing and documenting the condition of paintings, and in creating clear, concise condition reports and treatment proposals. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including galleries, auction houses, and private collectors, all of whom value her meticulous attention to detail.

    Mala holds a BA from Columbia University and an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her academic background, coupled with extensive hands-on experience from her time at Simon Parkes Art Conservation provides a unique perspective.


  • Art Conservator & Specialist in Inpainting, Consolidation, and Cleaning

    Rimma Novashinski is a seasoned art conservator with over 40 years of experience in the field. A graduate of the Moscow Polygraphic Institute (now Moscow State University of Printing Arts) in 1974, Rimma specialized in children's book illustration. She moved to the United States in 1979, where she went on to establish a distinguished career in art conservation.

    Rimma began her professional journey at Margaret Waterston Art Conservation (1981-1993), followed by a tenure at Marco Grassi Art Conservation (1993-2005), and later at Simon Parkes Art Conservation (2005-2016). In 2016, she transitioned to independent work, where she focuses on inpainting, consolidation, and cleaning of artworks.

    Throughout her career, Rimma has earned a reputation for her precision and attention to detail in preserving the integrity of artworks. She continues to contribute to the longevity and preservation of art in private collections, museums, and galleries.


  • Specialist in Art Conservation and Monumental Sculpture

    Boris Sternberg is a highly skilled art conservator and monumental sculptor with over four decades of experience in the field. He began his education at the Moscow Surikov State Academic Institute of Fine Arts (1962-1964) before continuing his studies at the Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Arts and Industry (1964-1968), where he specialized in Monumental Sculpture.

    In 1979, Boris moved to the United States, where he began working in art conservation. His early career included significant work with renowned conservator Gustav Berger (1982-1987), followed by a long tenure at Simon Parkes Art Conservation from 1987 to 2016. Since 2016, Boris has been working independently, continuing to specialize in the structural conservation of artworks. His expertise includes linings, transfers, and other complex structural treatments.

    Boris is known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving the integrity of artworks for future generations.

Studio & Facilities

Our studio is located in Manhattan’s Garment District, in close proximity to major art institutions, galleries, logistics companies, and fine art storage facilities. The space allows for both short-term and long-term treatments, as well as client viewings, condition reviews, and collaborative consultations with other professionals in the field.

Our studio has been custom designed to accommodate a broad range of treatments and handling requirements for large, fragile, and complex artworks.

The Facility Includes:

  • Over 1,500 square feet of dedicated conservation workspace

  • Oversized freight elevator for safe transport of large-scale works

  • Stable climate control, including central air, heating, and humidification systems

  • High-level security, with 24/7 monitored alarm and surveillance systems

  • Specialized lighting and equipment for detailed examination and treatment