Thought many of you would find this information useful.

~K.R. Bell

Conservation vs. restoration
Restoration of art and cultural property, as traditionally practiced, focuses upon returning an object or work of art to its original state — an assumed condition or an earlier appearance — with little regard to historic changes and/or the loss of data and original materials, according to the American Institute for Conservation.

However, in the past 40 years, the restoration of art and cultural and historical artifacts has evolved and developed into the profession of conservation. Art conservation is an interdisciplinary approach which incorporates art, scientific analysis, art history and material science to stabilize and preserve artifacts as found and prevent additional deterioration. This is accomplished by the selection of methods and materials that, to the best of current knowledge, do not adversely affect the historic or artistic objects’ original materials or impede future examination, scientific examination, treatment or function.

Conservation activities include examination, documentation, preservation and at times, restoration.

• Examination is the study of the structural ability, materials used in an object’s construction or fabrication.

• Documentation is the written and photographic records of information discovered or techniques used during treatment.

• Treatment includes direct and deliberate efforts required to stabilize an object’s condition to “prolong its existence,” according to the American Institute of Conservation code of ethics.

• Stabilization measures are employed to slow active deterioration and ultimate loss of an artifact or artifact component.

• The restoration procedure may be required to repair damages and losses with the intent to return the object to its original state of an earlier appearance.