Examination is the first step of any conservation process. Research, materials analysis, and testing, help conservators predict how materials will age, and how they will react with materials used in treatment, storage and display.
Some of the things a conservator will be interested in are:
Artist, Maker or Culture Materials and Method of Manufacture Historic Use Future Intended Use Present Condition
This information is then used to prepare a condition report and treatment proposal, along with a cost estimate.
For larger collections, Condition Surveys allow prioritization, guide the design of display and storage systems, and red flag items in need of immediate stabilization or treatment.
Damage, neglect and natural aging can disfigure and destabilize art. Conservation treatment helps turn back the clock.
Well planned display lets us enjoy our possessions while minimizing environmental damage.
Display in uncontrolled environments allows damage to occur. Good display practices include:
I work with owners, picture framers, mount makers, art installers, lighting designers and others to help protect art and artifacts while on display.
Cool, dark and dry. A moderate environmental and stable contact materials slow down the effects of time.
Well planned storage allows you to organize and safeguard your possessions when they are not on display or in use. Systems can range from the basic to the deluxe, but in all cases moderate environment and stable contact materials will prolong the life of your valuables.
Rolling tubes, folders, pillows, boxes, compartmentalized trays and dust-covers made from chemically stable materials keep possessions safe and reduce unnecessary handling.
Environmental monitoring lets you know when normal seasonal swings in temperature and humidity deviate to unsafe extremes, and can give early warning of floods.
Depending on site conditions and the materials in your collection, pest management may also be an important part of storage maintenance.
I can help you plan or upgrade you storage; family collections are a specialty.
We can’t always prevent disasters, but pre-planning can mitigate their impact.
Mishaps that effect collections range from “Rare with Catastrophic Consequences” (e.g. earthquake, tsunami) to “Common with Minimal Consequences” (e.g. short term power outages). Risk management begins with identifying risks and plotting them against probable impact. This will help focus direction and resource allocation.
A good disaster plan will be specific, yet flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events. The plan will include:
When damage occurs, a Disaster Plan will provide a road map for response and recovery.
You don’t have to be a Conservator to love Conservation!
Conservation is a fascinating field and I love to share what we do. Artists, collectors, and the general public all have reasons to explore the wonderful world of conservation. Presentation services include:
Below is a list of presentations given and articles written to date. Topics range from basic preservation to cutting-edge scientific developments. New topics are added regularly.
Lower Mainland Embroiderers’ Association, Vancouver, B.C.
North Shore Needle Arts Society, North Vancouver, B.C.
Richmond Textile Arts Society, Richmond, B.C.
Capilano College, North Vancouver, B.C.
Doll Collector’s Society, Vancouver, B.C.
Peace Arch Spinners and Dyers Guild, Whiterock, B.C.
Langley Centennial Museum, Langley, B.C.