How to become a Conservator.

In order to become a conservator, a student must major in one of the following areas, and minor in the others: Art History, Studio Art, and Science (particularly Chemistry). There are several graduate programs in the United States, and one in Canada that offer a Master’s Degree in conservation. Each of the schools are somewhat different in their approach to teaching conservation, and some have more emphasis on book learning, hands-on work, science, or art history. All of the schools are extremely well respected, and you would be well-served in the end by getting into any of them. People also can enter this field through apprentice training after many years of working with a well-respected, experienced conservator.

Conservation vs. Restoration?

The reason that our field is known as Conservation is that, as professionals, we foremost strive to stabilize and preserve the artwork, or cultural property entrusted to our care. We approach conservation using scientific analysis, historical research, and visual examination to craft an object-specific treatment plan that retains as much of the original integrity and fabric of an artifact as possible. This takes into account the age, the use-history, the stability, and reversibility of materials we use to carry out our proposed work.

Restoration historically refers to an attempt to bring cultural artifacts back to their original appearance by reworking, repainting, repairing, or replacing elements. Although most people think of what we do as restoration, it really is not the main focus of our work. It is not to say that some restoration of missing pieces will not be required, or additional support materials will not need to be added. However, that is taken into consideration after we try to save as much of the original materials, finishes and coatings as possible.

What is a Conservator?

Conservators are professionals who work to physically save our cultural property from the ravages of time, the threats of pollution, and the devastation brought by natural disasters. A conservator may be trained at a conservation graduate training program, or by lengthy apprenticeship with experienced senior colleagues. Working in museums, other cultural institutions, research labs, and in private practice, conservators combine unique skills gained through ongoing study and advanced training in art history, science, studio art, and related disciplines to care for and preserve our tangible history.

Why do I need a Conservator?

Because of the increasingly technical nature of modern conservation, conservators usually specialize in a particular type of object, such as: paintings, works of art on paper, rare books, photographs, electronic media, textiles, furniture, archaeological and ethnographic materials, sculpture, architectural elements, or decorative arts. Some larger conservation companies, like Hartmann Conservation, provide treatment in a number of these disciplines.

Steps in the Conservation Process

Scientific Analysis

To conduct analytical testing of an artifact to determine its age, historic nature, makeup, authenticity, or previous work done to its structure. Specific testing is only done when required or necessary to aid in the conservation of an artifact.

Examination

To conduct an in-depth study of the materials making up an artifact, and an assessment of their current condition.

Documentation

To record the condition, proposed treatment, and treatment of an artifact in writing, and to photographically document the treatment process.

Treatment

To directly undertake the process of stabilizing, cleaning, and preserving an artifacts condition so as to prolong its existence.