Consideration of Value-led Conservation and how it relates to cultural and individual identities.

Value-based conservation theory is focuses on identifying and analysing all of the values ​​assigned to the cultural heritage by various stakeholders during the conservation decision-making process. Although this process might be difficult, it is crucial as it allows conservators to find equilibrium between all stakeholders and therefore helps to preserve most of the values associated with the object.

Preserving the Perishable - Ellen Seidell

From unique conceptual reasoning to unexpected mediums, contemporary art serves as a constant challenge for conservators. In particular, Janine Antoni’s piece Lick and Lather showcases the conflicts that uncommon perishable materials like soap and chocolate can pose. Through the collaborative efforts between Antoni and conservators, her piece was not only successfully treated, but an invaluable partnership was formed.

Revealing What Lies Beneath: An Evaluation of the Restoration of a Recently Discovered Rembrandt

This poster discusses the restoration of Rembrandt’s ‘Portrait of a Young Gentleman.’ Since 2016 non-original overpaint paint has been removed. Restorers sought to uncover the original paint, taking an objective approach to reveal historic documentary value. This marks a more ethical departure from previous methods adopted to restore the work. 

Contemporary Art: Conservation Challenges, Conflicts and Considerations

Contemporary art is complex, diverse, and highly conceptual. Conserving this art is particularly difficult since the range of materials used is infinite and there are no established guidelines. This poster highlights some of the many challenges faced by conservators of contemporary art and introduces possible ways of resolving them.

Is One Pot More Valuable?

Value can be difficult to define and certain definitions of value can even conflict with one another. Aesthetic value is often based on the subjective artistic properties of a cultural object. Whereas historical or archaeological value takes an object’s significance within the archaeological record into account.

How Many Words is a Frame Worth?- Poster

This poster considers the varying approaches, ethics, treatment goals, and challenges to conservation between the two sub-disciplines of painting and frame conservation.

Responsibility to Prepare: A case study in recovery during active conflict

To achieve long-term recovery following active conflict, conservation must help rebuild the existing infrastructure. In the case of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) stonemasonry training program, conservators collaborate with current heritage experts to educate future conservation professionals. In doing so, they prepare the trainees for this process of recovery.