Our Conservation Process
M Conservation proudly adheres the ethical standards set forth by the American Institute of Conservation.
Artwork Intake
Whether your pieces are shipped, delivered, or you bring them to us we will notify you of their arrival. After being carefully inventoried, your pieces will be safely housed and tracked through the treatment process.
Photography (Before)
The morning after the object arrives, the front and back of the piece is photographed for our records. All of our photos are high resolution and shot with a color card to ensure detail and accuracy.
Condition Report, Testing, and Treatment Plan
Following photography, the object is assessed and basic condition reporting is done for our records. The object then goes through solubility testing to better inform the treatment plan. After testing, a unique treatment plan is crafted to fit your object’s needs.
Treatment & Treatment Record
Treatment for each piece will be tailored to its specific needs. All actions that are carried out will not alter the original substrate, media, or intention of the work. All treatment performed is archival and reversible, and we maintain a treatment record for each piece.
All materials that are used in treatment have been extensively researched and tested and are accepted by the international conservation community. In order to maintain this standard, our adhesives, washing solutions, and pulping materials are made in house. Our mending papers are hand made in Japan and our infilling papers are cotton rag.
After
Once treatment is complete, photos of the front and back are taken, and the treatment report is completed for our records. The piece will then be prepared for pick up or shipping. We provide short term packaging for our customers who pick up from our facility or we prepare the package for shipping.