Conservation Treatments

Materials science: Study of the properties and behavior of materials used in art conservation, including their chemical composition, physical properties, and deterioration mechanisms.

Historical and art historical research: Understanding of the context and significance of the artwork being conserved, including artist techniques, provenance, and cultural significance.

Studio arts: Knowledge of painting, sculpture, printmaking, and other artistic mediums to effectively perform conservation treatments.

Chemistry and chemical analysis: Use of laboratory techniques to identify the chemical composition of materials and determine their reactivity with other substances.

Microscopy: Use of microscopes to examine artwork at a microscopic level to identify material composition or deterioration mechanisms.

Photography and imaging techniques: Use of photography and imaging techniques to document an artwork’s condition and track its conservation progress.

Ethics: Understanding of the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in conserving cultural heritage objects.

Safety and environmental considerations: Knowledge of the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials used in conservation treatments and consideration of the impact of conservation treatments on the environment.

Conservation documentation: Creating thorough documentation of all conservation treatments performed, including before and after photographs, written reports, and treatment records.

Treatment methods: Understanding of various conservation treatment methods including cleaning, consolidation, stabilization, and restoration, and their appropriate use in different conservation scenarios.

Preventive conservation: Knowledge of the strategies and methods used to prevent deterioration and damage of cultural heritage objects over time.

Collections care and management: Understanding of collection management principles and practices, including storage, handling, and exhibition techniques.

Surface Cleaning: Cleaning the surface of an artwork using various methods and specialized solvents to remove dirt, grime, and pollutants.

Structural Stabilization: Strengthening and repairing the physical structure of the artwork to prevent further damage, like mending and filling holes, and rejoining broken sections.

Re-integration: Replacing or painting in areas of loss or damage to visually reintegrate them into the artwork.

Varnishing: Applying protective layers of varnish to the artwork to prevent damage from dust, light, and exposure to the environment.

Removal of Discolored Varnish: Removing the yellowed or darkened layers of varnish, which can cause the artwork to appear dull and fade.

Inpainting: Filling in losses or gaps in the artwork with pigments to match the original color of the piece, restoring its original appearance.

Consolidation: Using adhesives or consolidants to consolidate flaking or powdering surface in order to keep it stable.

Humidification: Using moisture or humid environments to relax or flatten warped or buckled paper, parchment or other fragile substrates.

Documentation and Research: Documenting and researching the artwork's origin, history, materials, and artist's intent, also including post-treatment documentation.

Preventative conservation: Providing recommendations and actions aimed to prevent or delay deterioration, including environmental and storage conditions, handling, and display.