The staff conservators can assist in recommending and facilitating scientific testing and can interpret technical data generated during analysis. Treatment Treatment services are available for a wide range of object types including works of art on paper, archival collections, photographs, ceramics, glass, metals, leather, organic materials, textiles, and other composite objects. Contractual work for the treatment of other types of objects can be arranged through the center as needed. Treatment services vary from simple preventive stabilization to complete treatment and cosmetic reintegration. Consultation Conservators at the Ford Center are available to consult on a wide variety of issues related to collection care and conservation.
Advice is available on topics such as storage techniques, exhibition materials, and object housings.
Collection Management Consultations Assistance is available for those faced with making decisions about all aspects of collection management including crate construction, mount design, material selection, storage techniques, housing materials, framing, matting, and many other issues relating to collection use and care. Assessments Conservation assessments of institutional and private collections are available. Conservators will provide a written overview of the institution, or collection, and its efforts in collection preservation that includes an evaluation of storage areas, exhibition techniques, pest control methods, housekeeping, and many other factors affecting the long-term survival of objects. Surveys Surveys to document the condition and treatment needs of individual objects in a collection can be conducted by Ford Center staff. A specific report detailing the condition, treatment priority, and conservation needs for each object can be prepared with an overall review provided as a planning tool for the long-term conservation of a collection.