by Andrea Daley
I am inviting all the conservators to communicate with the restorers and all the restorers to communicate with the conservators. Before I go any further, I will define what a conservator is and a restorer is. This is only my opinion and I encourage others to challenge this so we can create a great conversation!
There are misunderstanding when it comes to identifying a person as a restorer or a conservator.
RESTORER: one who returns a damaged item to its former state. (Puts back, repairs, renews, reconstructs, rebuilds)
CONSERVATOR: one who stabilizes and preserves an item from further deterioration. (Protects, keeps in a sound state, safe guards)
One alters the existing item; the other protects the existing item. As soon as any application is made that disturbs the item, then it becomes the
Now there are the rest of us (1000's to 1), who through experience have had some great results at restoring an item. We then go on and challenge ourselves by doing work for others. Soon we file a business name and we are in business. I know that is how it works, because I was and am there. Most of us received our education by trial and error. This includes the furniture restorers and the fine porcelain/restorer. For years, it has been a well kept secret on all the different ways we cleverly disguise a damaged item.
Over the years I have become aware of the need for the Restorer to become knowledgeable about conservation. There are ways for an item to be restored invisibly while adhering to the principles of conservation. My goal it to elevate the field of restoration through education, so the best, long lasting result will be achieved. We need each other. I would say that for every 1000 items that come through my business, one would need the attention of the conservator. The thousand items are grandma's salt and pepper shakers, a rocking chair, a picture frame and the list goes on. They have no historical value, (as yet) but the
owner is willing to pay to have it returned to an aesthetic stable condition.
When an item comes in that is of historical value, I then proceed to have them get in contact with a conservator. Or in some cases, I will offer to perform a conservation type repair, because I now know what precautions to take. I suggest developing a working relationship with several conservators, so when an item comes to you, you can make a judgement where everyone will win, you, the conservator and the customer. If an antique piece of furniture were brought to a refinisher, instead of removing its finish, a choice of restoring its finish or referring to some one who could, would be of greater service. In many cases an antique piece is greatly devalued because of refinishing. We can both benefit from each other!
In order to become the best at what we do, we need to receive information about conservation. We need to know what the long term affects are on the methods and products we are using. Some of the most damaging products to the industry are: silicone (rubber) cements, epoxies and CA (cyanoacrylates, instant adhesives) glues. These products have and will do more harm to items, than any products that have proceed their invention. These adhesives are not reversible and if used on an item of value it may devalue the item in the long term.
Another example is the use of abrasive sandpaper that is used on art objects. More damage is being done to the piece while sanding. As a choice there is glass sandpaper that will not damage the glaze while sanding the filler. And it goes on. There is an endless amount of information that we both, the restorer and conservator, can exchange, but we need to talk to each other.