FAQS: Conservation Unit
How do I find a professional Conservator?
Qualified conservators are highly specialized and skilled people with many years of training in both fine arts and science. Canadian conservators abide by professional standards outlined by the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property. Conservators generally specialize in one field such as paintings, paper, artifacts, textiles, natural history, or architecture.
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To find a professional conservator, contact a local cultural institution such as an art gallery or museum. Most larger galleries and museums employ conservators who can give you references for professionals in your community. Once you have contacted one or more conservators, ask them the following:
· Can you describe your training and experience?
· Do you know and abide by a Code of Ethics?
· Can you show me examples of your work?
· Will you provide me with references?
· Are you a member of a professional conservation organization?
In Canada, the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC) accredits professional conservators. While membership in this organization is not mandatory, a CAPC-accredited conservator must abide by the Canadian Code of Ethics for Conservators and is subject to impartial review in the event of consumer complaints.
Once you have selected a conservator, discuss exactly what will be done to your artwork/artifact, the fee that will be charged, and any insurance concerns that may arise during the course of the treatment. Usually a conservator will draw up a treatment proposal and cost estimate, based on an initial examination of the object and the problem. Upon review of this document, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to go ahead with the treatment. If you decide to go ahead with the work, you should be informed of how long the treatment is expected to take and what type of documentation you will receive. In addition, most conservators will include advice for the ongoing care of your object.
There are some things that conservators do not usually do:
· appraisals
· treatment proposals and cost estimates without examination of the object
· authentication
· buy or sell object(s)
If you would like more information about contracting for the services of a professional conservator, you may contact the Museum Conservator.