Fine Art Conservators

Commissioning fine art conservation

Expect a condition report before treatment. A proper appraisal sets out what the object is, what has happened to it, what previous interventions are present and what is proposed, with options. Treatment quoted without that is a red flag.

Prefer stabilisation to improvement. Cleaning and retouching are where irreversible loss occurs, and heavy-handed restoration reduces both the interest and the value of an object. Reversible materials and minimal intervention are the professional norm.

Look at the environment as well as the object. Fluctuating humidity, direct sunlight, heating regimes and proximity to external walls do more cumulative damage than most single events. Conservators will usually advise on conditions alongside any treatment.

Plan for building works. Dust, vibration, temperature swings and well-meaning handling during repairs are a frequent cause of damage. Objects should be surveyed, protected in place or removed to controlled storage before contractors arrive, and that needs programming.