Restoration or Conservation?

Restoration and conservation are both types of fine art preservation. But the goals and methods are very different and are determined by the value and use of a piece. Both approaches are valid and both help a piece of fine art or furniture retain value. But there are different types of value in the preservation world, and this helps determine the correct approach for your art.

Restoration

Restoration and conservation both are processes that are designed to keep an object from the natural destruction that comes from time and the environment. Restoration seeks to bring the object back to its original condition, and may include replacement of parts or materials. The goal is to have the piece look like it did when it was first made. Pieces that are restored can be used again or displayed.

Conservation

Conservation intends to keep a piece in the original condition, with as much of the original material preserved as possible, and with no permanent changes or alterations. Any materials and processes that are used to stabilise or preserve a piece need to be removable. Conservation is used for pieces that have value due to their historical associations, or that are valuable in their original state. The object itself gives the limits on what can be done to keep it from being affected by time and the environment

For further details, please contact us at Rainbow International, Canterbury.