Conservation Treatments

Each conservation treatment starts with a meticulous assessment of the object. This involves a detailed examination to document its current state, identify any areas of damage or deterioration, and understand the historical and material context of the item.

Using the insights gained from the condition assessment, a customized treatment plan is formulated. This plan outlines the specific conservation actions required and considers the ethical implications and the object’s cultural significance. The plan aims to balance the preservation of the original material with the need for aesthetic restoration, structural stability, and functionality.

• Complete Conservation/Preservation Treatments: These treatments focus on stabilizing the object’s condition to prevent further deterioration. Techniques might include cleaning, consolidating fragile areas, reducing corrosion, and reinforcing structural weaknesses, all without altering the original appearance.
• Blended Conservation/Preservation with Restoration: Sometimes, a blend of conservation and restoration is necessary to both stabilize the object and improve its readability or aesthetic presentation. This may involve filling losses, in-painting areas of paint loss, or reconstructing missing parts, always in line with reversible and distinguishable methods.
• Complete Restoration: In cases where an object has lost much of its original material or function, a full restoration may be warranted. This process is more invasive and can include replacing lost elements to return the object to a whole state, often as it would have appeared at a specific time in its history.

For vehicles that have been in long-term storage, recommissioning is a unique conservation treatment that not only addresses preservation concerns but also aims to return the vehicle to working order. This includes mechanical repairs, lubrication, rust treatment, and sometimes sympathetic replacement of non-original or missing parts.

The actual treatment is carried out by professional conservators who apply a combination of artistry and science. They use a range of tools and materials, often under magnification, to perform delicate tasks with precision. Documentation through photography and detailed notes is a key part of this phase, providing a record of the work done.

Once the treatment is complete, the object is evaluated to ensure that the goals of the treatment plan have been met. The effectiveness of the treatment is assessed, and any further recommendations for care or monitoring are made.

The conservator will provide guidance on the long-term care of the object to ensure its continued preservation. This may include advice on display conditions, handling, storage, and environmental monitoring.