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 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."Walston, S., "The Preservation and Conservation of Aboriginal and Pacific Cultural Material in Australian Museums," ICCM Bulletin (Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials), Vol. 4, No. 1, December 1978. p. 9.

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.

References

Other websites

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

Category:Art