"The conservation and restoration of cultural property focuses on protection and care of cultural property (tangible cultural heritage), including artworks, architecture, archaeology, and museum collections."
The conservation of sculptures, statues, and other three-dimensional artworks, which require specialized techniques and tools.
Material Science: Understanding the properties and behavior of different materials used in three-dimensional artwork, such as ceramics, metals, glass, stone, and wood.
Conservation Ethics: Understanding and implementing the ethical principles and codes of conduct that guide the practice of art conservation.
Preservation Techniques: Learning the techniques, methods, and tools used to preserve and protect three-dimensional artwork from physical and environmental damage.
Historical and Cultural Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context in which the artwork was created and how it impacts conservation decisions.
Documentation: Documenting the condition of the artwork before and after conservation treatment using photography, written records, and other methods.
Chemical Analysis: Using scientific methods such as spectrometry and chromatography to analyze the composition of materials and pigments used in artwork.
Legal Considerations: Understanding the legal aspects of art conservation, including intellectual property rights, authentication, and ownership.
Disaster Preparedness: Understanding the potential risks and hazards that threaten artwork, and preparing emergency response plans to mitigate damage.
Restoration Techniques: Learning the techniques and tools used in restoring and repairing damaged or deteriorated artwork.
Preventative Conservation: Implementing preventive measures to avoid damage to artwork, such as proper storage and handling, environmental control, and regular inspection and maintenance.
Conservation Science: Understanding the scientific principles and theories that underpin the practice of art conservation, such as the properties of light and color, humidity control, and molecular stability.
Treatment Principles: Understanding the principles of conservation treatment, including materials selection, cleaning, stabilization, and retouching.
Research and Scholarship: Understanding and conducting research on objects, artist materials, and historic techniques, to develop effective conservation strategies.
Collaborative Practice: Working collaboratively with artists, curators, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible conservation outcomes for three-dimensional artwork.
Professional Development: Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the field of art conservation, attending conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
Sculpture Conservation: This type of art conservation includes the preservation and restoration of three-dimensional sculptures made of different materials such as stone, ceramic, wood, metal, and plastics.
Ceramic Conservation: Ceramic conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of ceramic art forms, including pottery, tiles, and decorative objects.
Wood Conservation: Wood conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of wooden art objects, including furniture, statues, and decorative objects.
Metal Conservation: Metal conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of metallic art objects, including sculptures, decorative objects, and architectural features.
Glass Conservation: This type of art conservation involves the preservation and restoration of glass art forms, including stained glass, mosaics, and glass objects.
Textile Conservation: Textile conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of textile art forms, including fabrics, tapestries, and costumes.
Architectural Conservation: Architectural conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of architectural features, including building facades, murals, and sculptures.
Mixed Media Conservation: Mixed media conservators specialize in the preservation and restoration of art objects created from various materials, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
"Conservation activities include preventive conservation, examination, documentation, research, treatment, and education."
"This field is closely allied with conservation science, curators, and registrars."