The Conservator, The Apprentice, and The Problem - Part 1 

Kit convincing Julian to taste fish gelatin has already made her an A+ addition to the channel!

I'm hoping in 20 years time to see Kit's own restoration channel, where she unknowingly receives a painting previously conserved by Julian where she roasts him for using tacks instead of the much better vacuum carbon nanotubes.

Im so used to seeing Julian carry huge paintings by himself and seeing him with someone helping was so heartwarming

Julian somehow found someone just as calm if not calmer than him 😂

Not gonna lie, I’m a little jealous of Kit. Must be so interesting to work with you!! But when you first called her Kit, I thought you were calling her “kid”, like a wise, old man, schooling someone in a bar, over a glass of whiskey 😂

In addition to Kit being a great conservator moving forward, it seems like she kinda occupies the role that we as viewers have in asking questions about the process, which is just another great dimension to add to this sort of content. Definitely looking forward to seeing more.

So now we’re finally in the mentorship arc, it’s good so far, Kit joining the cast was a real turning point in the manga and for Julian’s development. I’m excited.

I will admit, I use these videos to fall asleep, but not because I’m not fascinated by the process! Julian’s voice is super soothing and the somewhat formulaic process just helps quiet my mind enough to fall asleep. But I always come back and watch whatever I missed while eating breakfast the next day :)

That has to be the shortest 27 minutes and 10 seconds in RU-vid history! I couldn't believe it when it ended. So looking forward to seeing what's in store for this sad damaged painting. Nice to meet Kit.

The quiet, gentle, mutually-respectful interaction between master and apprentice here is so delightful and so unlike what one is often presented with in similar situations. To share a skill you’ve mastered with a talented and trusted student must be a very great pleasure, as well as inspiring you to eat fish glue!

The transformation of this channel has been such a pleasure to view over the years, from shyly narrated overhead shots to truly professional-level film making, and personality that is just as captivating as the art itself. Kit is going to be a phenomenal addition to your videos, Julian! As so many of us have questions as she does, or have learnt from your channel already and feel kinship with you both on this apprenticeship. Cannot wait for part 2!

I wonder if many of you have been influenced by Julian's affect already. Just caught myself putting makeup ever so carefully, repairing my face, and when I needed to clean a tiny mascara clump on my eyelid, I swear I heard Julian say "I could use a cleansing cream on a cottonbud but an eyebrow brush can work just fine" 😂 So.... makeup technique tutorial next?? 😆

You can tell she’s going to be a fantastic conservator, her instincts for how to handle moving paintings around is in her blood! I hope to see more from Kit

As someone working in an archives, it's always so nice to see other fields still using the apprenticeship model of teaching! I really think it's the best way to learn a craft, and you both seem like great examples.

This was FASCINATING. You never cease to amaze us!

I was in the Cathedral of Valencia today and, despite the incredible beauty of the interior, the first thing I noticed about the two Goyas they have was the seam directly down the centre of it. I made sure to tell everyone I was with about European looms thanks to this video

How cool to get to witness this process through Kit's eyes as a learner, and Julian's as a teacher! I can't wait for Part 2!

"I don't think Julian's videos can get any better". Julian: "Hold my scalpel".

Me, nodding along: Yeah, I do love watching you transform things into their best selves. 😊 Also me, with sleep issues, having spent the better part of a year turning on The Joy of Painting if I was up too late... What did I ever do to you?? 😭

Kit is a blessed young woman to be apprenticing with you. Her future is assured. But, I know she earned it with very hard work and dedication. I can't wait to see her progression. Please let us see more of her.

10:20 This fish gelatine mixture is also used to clear wine. While fermenting the juice throws off a lot of sediment. Stirring this into it bonds with the sediment, it becomes heavy and it all sinks to the bottom leaving clear wine on top to be carefully siphoned off.

When you asked if she'd like to do the honors pulling the lining off. That was the moment I knew you are a fantastic teacher. Very similar to pilot copilot relationship. You know she has the skills necessary to do this and you switch places to provide her with the experience. Amazing work both of you!

Oh, to be a conservator's apprentice, listening to him expound on the history of conservation. Learning from him as he shares all of his skills from decades of work. Helping him....make a youtube video. XD No, really, Kit seems very cool, and it's awesome that she was comfortable being on camera so much, I hope she continues to feel that way. I don't know her age (and don't need to know) but I can pretty much promise that Kit has immediately accumulated a few thousand new aunts, uncles, and other guardians. We're rooting for her, and it'll be exciting to see her get to Use the skills Julian is always telling us about. If Kit happens to read this, don't be intimidated! We don't bite, I swear! Also, make sure Julian tells you plenty of the stories he's told us about mistakes he made when he was new to conservation. Perfection isn't a requirement, and there's Zero shame in being new. ♥

Can't wait to see the next episode! "Seeing paint dry" may be the ultimate of boredom, but "seeing glue be removed" is literally exciting!

I am a first time commenter I dont like to coment usually. I am a welder fabricator but what I am not is an artist but i like to learn the things in which i do not know. I watch because you literally brings this strong man to tears every single time you finish your AMAZING work. I watch because I feel your love for what you do. I watch because when you are done I know that the artist who originally painted it is looking down upon you with a smile because they appreciate the care you have put back into the painting. That's why I watch. I thank you for what you do and your videos never stop teaching never stop creating we need more like you in the world spreading calm happiness and love not hate anger and rage.

22:44 Kit: "Hopefully the rest of it is as easy as pulling the lining off" Julian: "heh heh there is a lot you have yet to learn young grasshopper"

When Kit asked Julian what fish gelatin tasted like and he tried it for us, I knew we are all in for a fun adventure with his new assistant. I’m looking forward to the new direction of the videos!

Murillo is one of the great Spanish masters. My father was an art collector and he came across one in the late 80's. I remember it was in really bad shape and after a thorough restoration it was sublime. Been fascinated by the artist ever since. Hope to know more about this piece in the episodes to come. Thank you for putting out such great content!

holy hell i love this type of instructory kinda video, feels like a very interesting university lecture

She seems so sweet and passionate about art conservation, I'm sure she'll be an amazing conservator in the future ✨✨

the “warm feelings” u talk about that i get from watching ur videos is only amplified seeing you teach someone who is also passionate the craft of conservation

I can't belive you got the chance to conservate a Murillo, I'm so excited about this series as an Spanish art fan.

In your advert for Magellan, I’m in the “watch because I love seeing the transformation & restoration”. I am a pipe organ builder and a couple times a year I get to do restoration work, and I find comfort in your challenges with having to undo previous“well-intentioned” but ultimately poorly or improperly executed repairs, as I have many of the same challenges. And I’m a total comrade in hating slotted screws and rusted tacks. They are the torturers that chase me me through the wilderness. 🤣

Very lovely to see Kit, I’m sure she will become a very observant conservator under your guidance!

I'm shocked that this is the first time you've decided to see how fish gelatin tastes, if it were me I'd have done it the second time I worked with it because I have impulse control issues

It's so great to see Julian taking someone under his wing! Props to Kit for keeping this amazing profession alive.

omg, we meet THE APPRENTICE! I feel like it’s a new season :)))

Really enjoyed seeing Kit in this. She's asking what I would and it is very interesting to see a "normal" human doing the work that you make look so easy, gives great context

Bob Ross helped our family get through an incredibly stressful health scare with our son when he was young, 14 thru 16 to be exact.. He relaxed him and us while diverting our attention to something positive. In like manor watching you do what you do brings a glimmer of hope, relaxation and positive energy as I now face my own devastating diagnosis. God bless you for being a good stewart of the art while calming the atmosphere of the present.

I've been watching Julian on here for a couple years at this point, and can I just say it's been an absolute delight to watch him grow both as a content creator and a cinematographer. Like, this man stuck his camera in the fridge to give us a cool shot of him taking the solution out AND ate straight fish gelatin to answer how it tasted. And you get to watch him restore and explain how he's restoring beautiful and diverse paintings. Like where else am I gonna find content like this lmao

I may have held my hand up for literally everyone of the reasons listed lol, I'm an artist myself, I adore asmr, I watch these to fall asleep (I then rewatch them fully awake to see the full process too) and Bob Ross is someone I've watched hours and days worth of. So yeah truly all of the above 🤣

No Julian, we watch to see you create magic, with the added bonus of being soothed by the dulcet tones and cadence of your wonderful voice, A.K.A. 'the Baumgartner Effect'

these videos are always so beautiful and polished and enjoyable, i feel like im watching a pbs show. except... no closed captions, just youtubes auto-generated ones. closed captions would really, really improve my experience as a fan with auditory processing issues.

5:05 Nailed right through the canvas surface?? 👀 Wowzers. Julian is right, this is definitely something of a trial by fire for Kit! 😅 Really awesome to see a new person joining the studio, & Julian starting to pass on all the many valuable skills he's learned in this field! Wishing Kit all the very best in their professional journey.

It's always a privilege to watch an expert ply their arts, and Julian is a master of so many. It's an even greater pleasure to see that expertise being handed on to the next generation, conserving the knowledge and skills of conservation. We'll know Kit has snatched the pebble from Julian's hand when she builds her own hot table!

There's just something mesmerizing about watching an expert perform expert level work. The work requires such a specialized high level of skill and training that to watch someone make the work look effortless is a type of magic. It feels like the results Julian can obtain shouldn't be possible, and yet he does it every day. Magic.

I'm sure Kit already knows all the answers to all of her questions but I like this interaction. Refreshing

My answer to why I watch these videos: Because there's an aesthetic appeal to watching a skilled individual at work.

Yay, we meet the apprentice!

I'd love to see more of Kit, if she's willing to be in more videos! I would really enjoy watching her learn the trade with you. She seems to have such great respect for the art form and I'd love seeing her progress as she learns.

Felt totally called out for using the vids to fall asleep. Julian, you’ve kept my insomnia away for 4 years and counting! You’ve helped me graduate college and reduce how often I’m late to work drastically. My quality of life is drastically improved, all because your videos are the perfect mix. It often takes me a week or two to finish a video, so I’ve watched the same video often 7-10 times before it’s finished. Glad you’re not mad, and I’m glad you’ve hit your stride enough to take a student! I love seeing you grow 🌱

Fml I teared up when I realized it might be Bob Ross, then out comes his smile. I spent so many days watching him wishing I could follow along. I always had an interest in painting and I just couldn’t. I would ask and beg my parents many times through the years and even the baby sitter that actually painted pretty often with oils was more concerned with me making a mess than expressing myself. What’s kind of ridiculous is I wasn’t a bad kid, at all. I was a bad teenager yeah but weren’t we all? In high school art classes I got to paint a total of twice, and the rest of it was spent learning about mediums I just wasn’t very interested in. It wasn’t until I was a full grown man that had already done 6 years in the military, 3 deployments and finally when I was finishing my credits for my degree and needed arts I finally started to paint. I had always had a passion for it but now creating it is just part of me, it’s always felt right. And sadly for reasons unknown to me I was denied it for most of my life. I suppose If I was truly truly passionate about I could have saved money and bought it myself but I was a kid I didn’t know where the hell I could paint if not at home. Oh well atleast I can do it now.

Tacks are the Ticks of the world of conservation. And also Kudos to your cameraman. It just struck me that there is someone filming you. It just feels so...normal.

For the record: as a woodworker, we hate slotted screws as well. They do LOOK better than Philips head, Torx, and Robertson, but otherwise, they are awful.

One fun thing I noticed that you might not have, was you guys talk during the movements of the painting in the same way we do as paramedics moving a patient. We all know how to do it, but no matter what, there is someone "in charge" and making clear, sometimes obvious directions and EVERYTHING is verbalized. Because when you just make an assumption that the other person(s) in a move are on the same page as you, that's when mistakes happen. It was just fun hearing Julian communicate with kit in the same way I do with my partner when we're carrying a little old lady down a flight of stairs.

Not gonna lie Kit is a welcome addition to your videos, hope we get to see more of her amazing work.

I'm so happy to see you with an apprentice! The one thing that was lacking from your videos, with your depth of knowledge about this field, was someone for you to be passing this knowledge on to. Your students. I hope that Kit is only the first of many. As you teach them, you are teaching us too. (Plus, you have someone else to do some of the endless scraping!)

Wonderful to see a teacher letting the student go hands on and develop those very skills you talk about through experience. It’s also wonderful to see the next generation willing to step in and continue the trade and traditions.

Kit is a precious bean and I love her. I also love that you have help in the studio. The transformation is what got me hooked on the channel, but what keeps me coming back, even rewatching old episodes, is your meticulousness; in your person, your grooming, your speech, and your work. It's just a pleasure to watch. Very soothing and just fascinating to witness it all!

I LOVE how you're teaching your approach and technique to a new professional, and how we're allowed to see part of the journey. You're making the lives of many people brighter, Julian, and I'm sure you chose well your apprentice Kit. Can't wait to see more of you two at work!

A Murillo would be amazing, but in the 19th century, many of his paintings - particularly the religious ones - were sanitized. Figures that looked real, with dirty feet, fingers and faces, became chocolate box images. The team and the client might have to make some tough choices and be prepared for some unexpected results. Fascinating!

10:20 fish gelatin is often used in place of other gelatin because a lot of gelatin comes from pigs. Pigs are not kosher so fish gelatin is often used to make foods with gelatin be kosher, especially desserts

There is nothing sexier than a gorgeous man who is so knowledgable and passionate about something like this. We all love Julian

So cool to see you mentoring someone! She seems curious and eager too, I look forward to watching her progress and gain the experience and knowledge that you have to offer!

That big sigh tells the whole story...So glad you've got an apprentice to learn your many tricks of the trade. And Kit talked you into tasting the fish gelatin! I can see she'll keep you on your toes. And I watch these to see something damaged and broken, become beautiful and whole.

I'm a librarian who dabbles in book repair. Thanks to these videos I was already well acquainted with general conservation ethics when I went to learn book conservation/repair. Imagine my delight when I learnt that washi kozo paper is a must have material in book repair. I watch this channel because I enjoy seeing a master at work. And for all the other reasons, of course. Frankly, I don't see a single reason not to watch. Books are different from such items as paintings because they are primarily utilitarian, they are data storage and retrieval devices, they have to be at full working capacity. Well, there are rare books which have to have special treatment, but they must keep their full functionality. They have to be able to withstand normal handling, most art pieces are not for handling. So we often replace some part of or all the binding when it fails, and the book doesn't lose in value. Of course It's better to keep and reinforce what can be kept when possible.

The videography is AMAZING! And Ms. Kit seems like she's so sweet, her laugh is so heartwarming! I know she's going to learn so much from you, Julian!!! Can't wait to see what adventure she goes on!

Bravo! taking an apprentice is very cool! I'm an apprentice myself, (bowed instruments conservation) and although we have different areas of expertise, I am learning a lot from your videos! Keep up the good work!

Julian: I was so happy to meet Kit and see a conservator, in training, start to learn and assist you. What a super profession for a person to go into. Looking forward to seeing this painting restored. Thank you. Carol from California

i started watching in 2020, but now in 2022 having just joined university to get a degree in history, i really want to work in a museum and this channel is responsible for making me want to work with restoration too. so thank you

Honestly i have very little interest in art or painting. What really keeps me coming back is my love of watching someone who is truly a master of their craft work. the subject doesn't matter to me as much as the proficiency in which you accomplish your work, and your understanding of the process complete your work. Something about someone explaining not only what they are doing, but why they are doing it is quite comforting and calming to me. ive been watching all of your videos for about three years now, and will likely continue to do so for as long as you make them.

As a machinist and mechanical craftsman I am fascinated by watching and learning what other genres of craftsman are capable of. You sir are a master skilled craftsman and artist. I served a four apprenticeship in the machine shops of a National Laboratory under the direction of some the finest craftsman you would find any where in the world. It was an experience that I am grateful to have had .

Kit seems to be a truly wonderful apprentice! Can't wait for part 2 of this conservation

It's good to see someone so young interested in preserving art. I know she is learning from the best.

Wow - an apprentice, a steadycam operator, breaking the 4th wall, an Alton Brown camera-in-the-refrigerator shot. Julian, you're an excellent teacher. Nice!

I swore for half the video her name was Kid until I realized it was Kit and it all made so much more sense.

Raises all hands - Baumgartner's Octopus fan base feels so acknowledged today.

Ive watched a lot of youtube videos over the years and I have to say you have one of the most wholesome comment sections of any channel Ive ever seen. Most of the kids ones arent even this good its always so nice to see.

as a new viewer, coming here from the future after kit has had more experience and become a more established part of the channel, it makes me happy to come here and see everyones warm welcome to her! im not a conservationist but i do work in the arts (sewing and clothing design), and one of the biggest hurdles for me was the fear that, as a younger person, i wouldnt be welcomed or taken seriously by my peers or clients - and unfortunately that has been something i still continue to experience. it really warms my heart to see kit have a mentor who is so confident in her and eager to teach her, as well as an audience welcoming her so openly.

So great to see you having an apprentice, passing the skills along into the future - loved this video

After watching you for a few years now,,I have learned how to recognize damages and overpainting enough to explain why the client needs to get a proper conservation done. I work in the interior design industry and having this knowledge allows me to show the client that I am confident I will be able to help them with all their needs. For that, I thank you, as well as the wind down for sleep.

I was so sad when the video ended. The big pieces are definitely my favorite to watch. They seem like so much work, but there is something so beautiful about watching something like that be worked on and eventually come together

Each time, Mr. Baumgartner, I watch one of your presentations I am impressed by how clearly and intelligently you communication to me/us the viewer(s) what you are doing. Obviously, you similarly communicated to your apprentice the how to's and the what's and when's. You are an educator par excellence.

I admire your passion as a restorer. If only everyone was half as passionate about their profession as you are. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos.

I find it interesting that the canvas used for the painting had its own pattern woven right into it. It almost looks like a 1930's/40's lawn chair canvas. Congratulations on an having apprentice to learn your skills and techniques.

I'm so happy you've brought in an assistant! I love Kit already, she's going to be a phenomenal conservator, and it certainly seems like she's learning from the best!

25:59 wow, I don't know if I'm imagining it but I feel like he's getting even better at scraping, look at that speed

I keep thinking "what's next" while watching! Also learning extra reasons behind certain procedures while Kit is learning is fun too

For the slotted screws, try holding two fingers around the edge of the screw head. It reduces the areas the screwdriver can slip out of the slot

Is it possible (of course if she is comfortable) to know what kind of background (education, professional experience) Kit has? What kind of path has she taken to bring her to an apprenticeship in the field?

One of the things I love most about this partnership is Julian's utter lack of arrogance. Some apprenticeships or other learning opportunities [I've had this experience] really turn into the teacher foisting all the boring menial tasks onto their students. But Julian is, of course, right there in the trenches with Kit and actively sharing his knowledge - which is exactly how this process should work.

I love the addition of Kit! Makes it so much more wholesome. Kudos!

Love when you break the fourth wall. Love your videos, they're calming, relaxing, entertaining, beautiful and so well put together. Thanks for the hard work you have just for us.

I think Kit has the best teacher there is to be a really sensitive, conscious and intuitive conservator. Together with her already seemingly has those senses in her, i think her future is really bright in this trade. So nice to see you work together, and a fresh input to a already great channel.

An apprentice! I’m excited to see her progress since we all secretly want to be Julian’s apprentice 😊

"There you go, now you know what fish gelatin tastes like." ....I didn't even know I wanted to know that. Thanks, Julian!

I watch these videos to learn more about the tools and techniques you use so that I can maybe apply them in my own field. And for the slotted screws I can only recommend gunsmithing screwdrivers because they are hollow-ground, not double-wedge shaped. This makes it so that torque is applied at the bottom of the screw slot where it is strongest, not the top.

She is absolutely fantastic, and seems to be on the path to being a great conservator. Good luck!

its an honor to be allowed to witness the growth of an apprentice!! Hope we get to see Kit on her journey if she's so inclined

I don’t think I can sleep well if I don’t watch at least one of your videos before bed. You have a calming voice. I love your content! One of the best channels on YT.