Conservation (art)

Conservation, also known as conservation and restoration, is a job where people try to protect the important parts of a culture for the future.

Conservation work area at the Smithsonian American Art Museum is visible to the public through floor-to-ceiling glass walls

Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, protection. All of this work is supported by research and education.

Definition

In traditional terms, the role of the conservator involves the examination, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage using "any methods that prove effective in keeping that property in as close to its original condition as possible for as long as possible."

The role of conservation is a kind stewardship.

The conservator has ethical guidelines, including

• Minimal intervention
• Materials and methods which can be undone if necessary
• Full documentation of all work

An appropriate conservation strategy requires good judgment, taking into account

• the views of the owner of the object
• the heritage value and meaning of the object
• the physical needs of the material

Gallery

This series of images shows the process of restoration of a mural in France.

• 
  First archaeological search in the 19th century layer
• 
  Re-painting of the 15th century image before restoration
• 
  Image after restoration

Other websites

• Metropolitan Museum of Art, What is Art Conservation?
• Liverpool Museum, Agents of Deterioration