What is Conservation?

The vision of artists, the identity of people, and the very existence of history threaten to disappear. Left alone, old buildings will crumble. The Declaration of Independence will disintegrate.

Preserving this cultural material is of extreme importance, but it presents complex challenges. By melding art with science, conservation professionals protect and preserve our heritage, and save our treasures for generations to come.

Paintings change over time, and they may need to be restored.

When accumulation of dirt, grime (imagine the passage of time on white walls) and the natural oxidation of varnishes dim a painting it changes colors and the balance of lights and darks and obscures the artist's intent. Changes to temperature and humidity and mold can do worse damage. Accidents - the most common being during a move, fires, and floods can deal more serious damage still. A painting conservators' mission is to preserve the artwork - and the artist's original intent.

How to Choose a Conservator

In the United States, professional conservators are professional associates of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, or AIC. The body maintains a list of accredited professional associates, and has guidelines on how to choose a conservator. Marie-Hélène Gugenheim has been a professional associate at the AIC since 1993. Trained in Europe and the United States, she has more than 24 years' experience as a full-time conservator. She has worked in areas as diverse as the conservation of Russian icons, to vast mural projects in the United States and France, and is the paintings conservator for the Kelly Collection of American Illustration.

Working with the Conservator

There is only so much that can be done over the phone; whenever possible diagnosis should be made in person. To set up an appointment, call (301) 741-3698. A preliminary examination can be done at the studio free of charge. The next step is usually an in-depth examination of the artwork in normal and raking light, reflected and ultraviolet light and a written condition report, a detailed treatment proposal, and a cost estimate.