Restoration of Unknown Paintings

The Arthur and Georgie Illies Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the extensive oeuvre of Arthur Illies (1870–1952) and supports the professional restoration of previously unknown and restoration-needy paintings from his estate. Many of these works are listed in the inventory registers (IWV) but have never been publicly exhibited. In close collaboration with the restorer Geertje Foth in Hamburg, the paintings are first conservatively secured and then professionally restored. Interested sponsors assume all costs for the restoration as a “patron” and thus enable the permanent preservation of this cultural heritage. In return, they receive the selected artwork on loan for a period of at least ten years.

Eligible for funding are private individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations wishing to engage in the fields of culture and culture & media. The foundation grants a 100% subsidy on the pure restoration costs. A prerequisite is the assumption of costs and the willingness to host the artwork long-term as a loan. Applications can be submitted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. This model benefits both the cultural memory and committed sponsors, who gain valuable insights into the artistic work of Arthur Illies while simultaneously helping to preserve his oeuvre for the public.