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What is Objects Conservation?
Objects conservation deals with the preservation, conservation, and restoration of three-dimensional works of art and cultural heritage. A broad specialty within the discipline of art conservation, Objects includes a wide variety of materials (from wood to plastic), time periods (ancient to modern), and cultures (indigenous to European). Objects conservators may choose to specialize in one specific material, time period, or culture; others remain generalists and relish the variety of objects that visit their benches.
All art conservators have a background in studio art, art history, and chemistry. We are doctors and detectives for objects. We ask questions like, “What is the object made of?”, “Who made the object?”, “Why is the object deteriorating and what can we do to arrest this?”, and “What is the artists’ intent?” To answer these questions we conduct scholarly research, imaging and scientific analysis, collaborate with colleagues, and conduct artist interviews. We work in both public and private institutions, museums, regional centers, and in private studios.
In the United States it can take many years of hard work and dedication to become a conservator. In the past it was common to become a conservator through apprenticeship training. Currently, obtaining a master’s degree and certificate of art conservation is the norm for entry into the field. Most prospective students work to earn the necessary academic credits in studio arts, art history, and chemistry, as well as pre-program experience working alongside a practicing conservator in a variety of specialties. U.S. graduate programs are 3-4 years in length, and recent graduates generally compete for fellowships and short-term contracts to augment their education before finding their way into private practice or a staff position.
All art conservators have a background in studio art, art history, and chemistry. We are doctors and detectives for objects. We ask questions like, “What is the object made of?”, “Who made the object?”, “Why is the object deteriorating and what can we do to arrest this?”, and “What is the artists’ intent?” To answer these questions we conduct scholarly research, imaging and scientific analysis, collaborate with colleagues, and conduct artist interviews. We work in both public and private institutions, museums, regional centers, and in private studios.
In the United States it can take many years of hard work and dedication to become a conservator. In the past it was common to become a conservator through apprenticeship training. Currently, obtaining a master’s degree and certificate of art conservation is the norm for entry into the field. Most prospective students work to earn the necessary academic credits in studio arts, art history, and chemistry, as well as pre-program experience working alongside a practicing conservator in a variety of specialties. U.S. graduate programs are 3-4 years in length, and recent graduates generally compete for fellowships and short-term contracts to augment their education before finding their way into private practice or a staff position.