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What information does a conservator need to discuss my piece over the phone or in e-mail?

Because the conservator cannot see the piece, an accurate description is essential.  Even then, the conservator will likely tell you he/she cannot determine a treatment and/or a cost without seeing the piece and carrying out an examination.

The following information can be very helpful:

• Identify the piece as, for example, a painting, photograph, document or art work on paper, a textile, or an object.

• Specify the materials from which it is made; e.g., wood, metal, oil, watercolor, silk

• Give the piece’s approximate dimensions in inches.  Make sure you’re clear about which dimension is height, which is width, which is depth

• State whether the piece is mounted, matted, or framed

• Describe the types of damage the piece has

• Tell the conservator what you hope can be done for the piece

•  Inform the conservator of your plan for the piece (i.e., preservation, display, use, storage, sale)

What is the procedure to have a piece looked at and treated?

1.    Consultation
Tudhope Conservation Studio provides a free 15-minute personal or telephone consultation.  This consultation familiarizes the conservator with the piece, its problems, and your expectations.  In some cases, the conservator can give you an idea of the type of treatment required and a general idea of potential cost.  (This is not an estimate.)  At this point, you decide whether or not to proceed with an examination.  

2.     Examination
If you decide to proceed, the conservator will schedule a complete examination of your piece.  He or she will look at the materials used, analyze the construction of the piece, assess type and extent of damages, and overall condition of the piece.  Often tests will be carried out to attempt to determine what materials were used and/or the type of treatments that can be carried out.  (This rigorous level of inspection provides a more accurate estimate.)  All of the information uncovered by the conservator will be sent to you in a written report of condition with a treatment proposal and a cost estimate based on materials and labor required.  Sometimes the estimate will be presented as a range.  This usually means the conservator anticipates treatment steps that are complex or materials so tenacious that the time required is difficult to estimate accurately.

3.     Review and Authorization
A packet containing a letter of instructions, the conservator’s report, authorization and an exam invoice will be sent.  Review the examination report and treatment proposal.  Consult with the conservator if you have questions.  To proceed with the treatment, sign and return the forms, and include payment for the invoice and any deposit that is requested.

4.     Scheduling
On receipt of authorization, the piece will be scheduled for treatment.  It is not uncommon for conservators to have a work backlog of one to three months or more…be prepared, for conservation treatments take time and special care.

5.     Documentation and Treatment
When treatment commences, “before treatment” photographs will be taken to document the condition of the piece.  Occasionally, the conservator may call you with questions, new information, or problems encountered with the piece.  In rare instances, the conservator may contact you to adjust the estimate, which happens when extensive damage that could not be seen during the examination is uncovered.  When the piece is completed, “after treatment” photographs are taken and a report describing the treatment procedure is written.

6.     Invoice and Pick-up
You will receive an invoice notifying you that the piece is ready for pick-up.  Payment can be made either by cash or check after which the piece, along with reports and photographs, will be released to you or your representative.  Please arrange an appointment time for pick-up.

Why does a piece need an examination?

Examination of an artwork is a fundamental part of a conservator’s job.  The process is a lot like the doctor/patient relationship.  You wouldn’t want to have an operation without first being examined by a doctor.  As members of the American Institute for Conservation, TCS' conservators are bound to AIC’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, which require assessment of the condition, type, and extent of damages, documentation of findings, and presentation of a treatment proposal and cost estimate.  Often tests are carried out to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

How much is my piece worth?  And is it worth treating?

Where can I find a reputable appraiser? 

How do I send a piece to Tudhope Conservation Studio?