The permanence of materials is substantially determined by environmental factors such as temperature, air humidity and light. Preventive conservation is the process of determining those environmental factors that can lead to deterioration of works of art, then implementing improvements that can mitigate and in many cases prevent future damage.
Preventive conservation does not always ask for expensive or complex care strategies. For many private collectors or institutions, much can be improved by making even small adjustments or treatments.
For example, dust should be regularly removed from artworks since it can attract moisture and pests. Improper frames on paintings can also result in damage and abrasion of the paint surface.
We offer the following services related to preventive conservation:
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Environmental monitoring to ensure appropriate conditions temperature, relative humidity, air quality, and light.
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Creating archival backing-boards and housing systems to protect from environmental deterioration.
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Implementing handling and maintenance procedures for storage, exhibition, packing, and transport of works of art.
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Eradication of mold and woodworm infestation.
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Disaster preparedness for a collection.
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Collection protection for special events and activities.
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Assessing loan venues and assisting regional galleries with preventive conservation.
Conservation framing includes the attachment of felt to the frame rebate or adding an inert backing board to the reverse of the painting.
Inappropriate environmental conditions can lead to mold growth, which has to be professionally removed.
In case of an insect infestation we can treat the according paintings, to prevent damages or further spreading of the infestation.
