Conservation and restoration of movable cultural property
Last updated
Conservation and restoration of movable cultural property is a term used to denote the conservation of movable cultural property items in libraries, archives, museums and private collections. Conservation encompasses all the actions taken toward the long-term preservation of cultural heritage. Activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care, which is supported by research and education.[1] Object conservation is specifically the actions taken to preserve and restore cultural objects. The objects span a wide range of materials from a variety of cultures, time periods, and functions. Object conservation can be applied to both art objects and artifacts. Conservation practice aims to prevent damage from occurring, a process known as 'preventive conservation'. The purpose of preventive conservation is to maintain, and where possible enhance, the condition of an object, as well as managing deterioration risks, such as handling and environmental conditions.[2] Historically, object conservation was focused on the category of fine arts but now many different types of objects are conserved. Each type of object material, typically denoted by organic or inorganic then the specific medium, requires a specialized professional conservator and often requires collaborative work between museum staff, scientists, and conservators.
Object conservation has been around ever since people have been amassing and assembling collections for others to enjoy. Conservation in its early history was conducted by skilled craftsman and tradesman who could repair and return the objects back into a useful working or exhibition condition. Over time, object conservation as a profession has developed to the point where specialization for objects and the materials out of which they are made have become the standard of modern conservation. Conservation skills are now being taught at institutions such as the master's degree program in art conservation[4] at Winterthur and the University of Delaware, located in Newark, Delaware. This is an intensive three-year program, with facilities including conservation studios, laboratories, examination rooms and workshops available to students and faculty. These are housed in the Louise E. du Pont Crowninshield Research Building at Winterthur.
Water causes damage and results from natural occurrences, technological hazards, or mechanical failures. Many cases of water damage can be traced to accidents or neglect. "A great many of the materials that museum objects are made of are highly susceptible to contact with water and can be severely damaged by even brief contact, while others may be exposed to water for longer periods without harm. This situation is complicated by the combination and range of materials that may comprise each object. In addition, the vulnerability of individual objects to water can be affected (i.e. increased) significantly by the state of the degradation of the materials."[5] Water damage causes a variety of preservation concerns, including but not limited to: discoloration, cracking, softening, matting, distortion, mold growth, delamination, and swelling.
Fire is a risk to both objects and their collections, both humans and inanimate objects. Museums, libraries, archives and private collections are vulnerable to fire from a number of internal and external sources. Most museum fires begin as a result of human neglect and carelessness, or are intentionally set. Damage to objects can be irreparable or can be mitigated due to storage choices (like being in a glass case), the object's material(organic materials are more prone to damage), or safety precautions that the museum has invested in. Fires also create soot deposits which can cause discoloration, dull surface textures, and permanently alter objects.[6]
Light fades materials. Colors that fade can disappear within as little as a few hours of direct sunshine, or just a few years at low museum lighting. But some types of objects are more fade resistant due to their specific materials. Ultraviolet light causes yellowing, chalking, weakening, and/or disintegration of materials. Infrared light heats the surface of objects, which is a form of incorrect temperature. Different deterioration phenomena often occur simultaneously.[7]
Inappropriate temperature is another source of deterioration. There are several ways that temperature can cause object degradation. One being that the temperature is too high: this excess heat can cause chemical, physical, and biological phenomena. The most important phenomena for museums and archives is chemical: normal room temperatures are much too high for the long-term preservation of unstable human made materials, especially those carrying images, sound, and text. Another problem arise when temperature is too low. Overall, low temperature is beneficial to collections, but polymeric materials, such as paints, become more brittle and fragile. Some objects contain materials that will deform and weaken, or even melt, above a certain temperature.[8]
Inappropriate relative humidity effects a wide range of object materials and storage solutions. Relative humidity is the quality of the air that ranges between damp and dry, which causes damage to objects. Damp is when the relative humidity is over 75%. Damp causes several types of deterioration: mold, rapid corrosion, and extreme forms of mechanical damage. Mold damages any form of organic material.[9]
Physical forces are the results of both direct and indirect actions that impact both objects and their surroundings. "Physical force can damage objects directly by causing rotation, deformation, stress, and pressure. It may also damage objects indirectly by causing collision between objects or object parts. Damage from physical force ranges from imperceptible hairline fissures and minute losses, to large-scale effects such as crushing objects, collapsing floors, and, in extreme cases, destroying buildings. Five important force-related effects are: impact; shock; vibration; pressure; and abrasion."[10]
Dissociation is an immaterial form of damage, rather than something physically done to an object. Damage can occur as: rare and catastrophic single events resulting in extensive loss of data, objects, or object values; sporadic and severe events occurring every few years or decades resulting in loss of data, objects, or object values; and continual events or processes resulting in loss of data, objects, or object values.[11] Object conservation depends on objects remaining in well cared for environments with up to date records and locations. Dissociation can happen both as a direct consequence of actions, like removing a label tag or making errors in records, as well failing to perform actions, like not applying object numbers with permanent materials or not meeting legal requirements to prove ownership of an object.
Dust and chemical pollution is present in most environments, even in enclosed areas. "Pollutants are grouped into a range of compounds that can have chemical reactions with any component of an object. Pollutants can be gases, aerosols, liquids or solids of either anthropogenic or natural origin, and they are substances that are known to have adverse effects (negative consequences) on objects. Deposits of solid particles are considered pollutants, and while they may not necessarily cause damage, they are recognized as altering the aesthetic aspects of the objects. In some cases, fine particles deposited on an object's surface can be strongly bonded."[12]
Burglars, thieves and vandals can completely remove an object from the control of an institution while either destroying it or damaging it in a wide variety of ways. Like dissociation, this cause of deterioration is much harder to control due to the institution's ability to address vulnerabilities in their facilities, security measures, or visitors. There are many systems of control that help to prevent theft and vandalism from ever occurring.[13]
Pests are defined by the "National Park Service (NPS) Management Policies(2006) section 4.4.5.1 defines a pest as "an organism that interferes with the management objective of the site." For museums, a pest is defined as any organism that jeopardizes museum resources."[14] Pests can include but are not limited to rodents, insects, and birds. An effective Museum integrated pest management program plays an integral and necessary part of every museum's collection care policy. Routine collections inspections can detect and reveal the presence of pests within the museum's buildings and storage areas. Common ways of reducing risks posed by pests are to reduce or eliminate food and water opportunities which provide an attractive lure for pests.
Item materials and types
Item materials vary from organic, inorganic, and composite objects. Depending on the material being handled with for storage or needing conservation treatment, the conservator specializing in the specific type or range of objects is considered prior to treatment. According to the Code of Ethics Conservators are to only proceed treatment with care and complete understanding of the material.[15] Organic objects can involve "plastics, leather, feathers, bone, horn, ivory, hair, wood, and other plant and animal materials, including natural history specimens", and inorganic materials consists of "metals, glass, and ceramic materials and stone".[16] Composite objects are a mix of mediums that involve both inorganic and organic materials.
Organic
Leather is a type of organic object that is prone to deterioration when exposed to "microorganisms, atmospheric gases, strong light, and extremes and fluctuations of humidity".[17] Because of their vulnerability, these types of objects require persistent attention. Special treatment is needed for objects of leather if restoration of their original state is desired. For example, when leather is exposed to mold, the object should be treated with a vacuum and or alcohol if it has been tested that there is no discoloration or transferring of color.[18]
Wood is another type of material that is identified as organic. Wood is a very absorbing material based on its environment. Thus, depending on the amount of water that is exposed in the air, the wood can expand and contract easily, changing the physical condition of the object.[19] This is the reason why wood material needs to be kept in a high controlled and consistent temperature and humidity levels. A too high relative humidity can cause wood to swell, and a too low relative humidity can cause the wood Bending or twisting, as well as the appearance of cracks and cracks. Extreme fluctuations of both can speed the deterioration process of the wooden object. With high relative humidity, wood is also prone to pests. An example of treatment would be to freeze the objects to kill any pests that may have been existing within.[20]
Inorganic
Ceramics is a type of an inorganic object. Treatment for such objects can vary depending on the purpose of the use or its stability. When ceramics are broken and need restoration either because it is needed to be displayed on exhibition or for the stability of the object when used for examination or study, some type of techniques can include but may not be limited to gap fills, inpainting, restructuring, and polishing can be used for treatments.[21]
Types of metals include "gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, tin, nickel, zinc, aluminum, chromium, titanium, and their alloys".[22] Metal sculptures are prone to corrosion from air pollution and moisture in the air.[23] Interventive treatments for metals is an irreversible procedure that need consideration prior to work. Such types of treatment include cleaning involving chemicals or tools such as Nd:YAG laser that can effectively remove layers of built-up "calcareous and siliceous encrustation"[24]
Composite
Composite items are made up of individual materials referred to as constituent materials. There are two main categories of constituent materials: matrix (binder) and reinforcement. At least one portion of each type is required. When combined, composite objects may take on properties and characteristics which differ from the properties of the original materials.
Testing material from composite objects is a vital tool to help reduce or prevent further deterioration from inherent vice (the innate tendency of an object or material to decay). Not all objects will be treated because of the purpose of the object, or the intention of the artist. Consideration of the history of the object and the artist's intentions are heavily weighed prior to any treatment or testing of materials. Some example of materials which produce chemical reactions, causing physical changes to the object are silver and wood. This is because wood is known to emit acetic acid (ethanoic acid) that becomes a pollutant to the silver, causing it to tarnish at a faster rate.[25] If corrosion of metals are considered for testing, the Oddy test is "an accelerated corrosion test for effects on metals"[26] Certain cases such as the Necklace from Somalia, the British Museum had run tests for the yellow beads and the silver alloy that link the components into a necklace. The test was in fact able to conclude that the yellow beads were exposing nitric acid to the silver only allowing corrosion to the metal over time.[27] Thus, the necklace had to be removed from the different components and stored detached in order to reduce rapid decaying of the object.[28]
In order to preserve objects for the future, museums, libraries, and other collecting institutions utilize preventive conservation practices. Prof. Ziad al-Saad, Professor of Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management at the Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology Yarmouk University, Jordan defines preventive conservation as "the mitigation of deterioration and damage to cultural property through the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures for the following: appropriate environmental conditions; handling and maintenance procedures for storage, exhibition, packing, transport, and use; integrated pest management; emergency preparedness and response; and reformatting/duplication. Preventive conservation is an ongoing process that continues throughout the life of cultural property, and does not end with interventive treatment."[29] The practice of preventive conservation intends to provide the greatest amount of conservation for the largest number of objects in a collection. Jeffrey Levin, Communications Editor, Information and Communications, at the Getty Conservation Institute states that: "In the long term, it [preventive conservation], is the most efficient form of conservation, not only for museums, but particularly for libraries and collections of ethnographic, natural history, and geologic materials. With comprehensive preventive conservation, the need for individual treatments can, over time, be reduced to more manageable levels, putting personnel and financial resources to more effective use."[30] Preventive conservation allows institutions with collections to better manage their available resources when it comes to caring for their collections.
Restoration
Restoration is restoring an antique or work of art, or any cultural artefact, to a like-new condition, or preserving an antique or work of art against further deterioration as in conservation.
Antiques restoration, National Museum, WarsawAntique painting and frame restoration: before and after photo
Restoration can be as simple as light cleaning to remove disfiguring dirt or grime, such as on the surface of a painting, or it may include near complete rebuilding or replacement, as might be the case with old automobiles or furniture. Often done in preparation for sale, or by a collector upon acquiring a new piece, the main goal of restoration is to "restore" the original appearance or functionality of a piece.
There considerable difference between restoring and repairing. Functionality may be achieved by a repair, but restoring an item properly is an art-form. Finishes might/may be stripped and redone, but it is essential that the original patination is retained, if possible. Stripping is only done as a last resort, especially with antique furniture. Engines might be rebuilt with new parts as necessary, or holes in a silver pot might/may be patched. While some of these practices are frowned on by many museums, scholars, and other experts, for many people[citation needed] there is little value in an antique that is unusable or not able to be displayed. Poor restoration is the bane of a trained restorer. Working on someone else's bad repair is the worst possible situation. Often with antique restoration, there are also other issues as well. For example, some collectors value "patina", or also want an item to still reflect an aesthetic that shows its age- in this respect, an "over restored" item can actually take away from its value than if nothing has been done to the item at all. Therefore, restoration of valuable objects should always be left to professionals who are sensitive to all of the issues, ensuring that a piece retains or increases its value after restoration.
Original artwork can sustain all sorts of damage over its lifetime. Conservators have an obligation to the artwork to recommend the best techniques for preserving it for future generations.[31]
Restorers are often trained craftspersons, such as furniture makers, mechanics, or metalsmiths. Some have years of experience in their fields, whereas others are self-taught volunteers. Many of the antique aircraft around the United States are restored by trained aircraft engineers assisted by volunteers, some of whom are men who flew those same aircraft years ago.
Given that a single piece of furniture may include wood, glass, inlay, leather and fabric, antique restoration encompasses several skills. Caldararo estimates that 90 percent of USA restorers are self-taught, or have cobbled their skills together from idiosyncratic backgrounds.[32]
"French Polishing" was the industry standard in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, pushed aside by the efficient advantage of modern methods in the Industrial Revolution. Lacquers and spray systems replaced the original French polish finish, which is impractical for mass furniture production due to the labor-intensive process of application. As the desire for antiques was not idle, neither was the need for them to be appropriately restored; thus, the trade has been kept alive by a thread.
Terminology
Conservation: Detail-oriented process designed to preserve as much original finish and materials as possible while bringing the piece back to as close to its original condition as possible.
Finish restoration: Finish restoration is the process of bringing an existing finish back to life. This involves re-emulsifying the original finish, either shellac or varnish. By using the original solvents to liquefy the solids, their ability to adhere to and penetrate the piece returns. The process also removes the dirt and grime accumulated over years of use. If the finish is very thin, additional layers of the same finish may be applied to bolster the restored finish and ensure longevity. Finish restoration results in an original finish rating: for example, 85% of the original finish remains. The more original finish that remains, the more antique value remains.
Preservation: The process of stopping or slowing deterioration usually does not involve actual restoration or attempts to return the piece to its original condition. Damage and finish deterioration are left intact, but prevented from going further. This process is usually done on museum works; we recommend a conservation or restoration process for home use of antiques. In most cases this is a chemical process that prevents further oxidation of the wood and metals, and in addition adds moisture to the existing finish.
Refinishing: Removing a finish and applying a new finish in its place. This process destroys significant portions of antique value in furniture and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Repair: Physical structural replacement or reinforcement of parts of the original piece. May involve addition of new materials altered to appear aged or the application of antique materials to improve appearance of repair and preserve as much value as possible.
Restoration: Bringing a piece back to close to its original condition including structural and finish repairs.
Stripping: stripping involves dipping the piece in a chemical bath that will remove finish, patina, and in some cases the glue holding the piece together.[33]
Salvage
On the other extreme, though most bad old pieces were thrown away long ago, there are pieces that, because of their original design or workmanship or because of damage, are not worth restoring but that are made of re-usable materials such as hard wood, amber, pewter or ivory. As the number of people increases and the number of trees and other natural products in the world decreases, wood and other materials become more scarce. So the fact that the material was not worth doing a good job with when an item was made does not mean that the material should be discarded along with the object now.
Ethics
Museums, libraries, archives and private entities have the duty and responsibility to take care of and preserve their collections for the future. In order carry out this duty, these organizations strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice when caring for their collections. In order to direct and guide their actions organizations follow ethical codes of conduct such as the one created by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).[34]
Such codes of ethics are intended to provide guidance and are not intended to be taken as absolute practice as institutions are varied in their size, scope, and nature. It is up to each institution to adapt, adopt, and implement ethical guidelines which are necessary to meet that institution's conservation requirements for objects in their collection.
Some institutions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), have developed and implemented their own form of ethical protocols, procedures, and guidelines in order to ensure that the V&A takes into account all points of views before any object undergoes conservation intervention or treatment.[35] The V&A's ethics protocol was implemented through the use of a novel checklist method, "Victoria & Albert Museum Conservation Department Ethics Checklist" introduced in 1994.[36]
A brief extract of the checklist demonstrates its question-driven approach, in place of a more directive approach:
V&A Conservation Department Ethics Checklist (Second Edition; December 2004)
Why is action needed?
Have I consulted records?
Have I consulted stakeholders, peers, other specialists?
Have I considered and weighted the factors contributing to the identity and significance of the object(s)?
What are my options for action which will produce an appropriate result with minimum intervention?
Regardless of the ethics protocol followed, ethics plays an important role in object conservation.
See also
Automotive restoration, returning a vehicle to a like-new state, or to an idealization or fantasy of its as-new state, such as for display at a Concours d'Elegance or for competition in a classic car race
Watchmaker, one who fixes or restores mechanical watches
Related Research Articles
With respect to cultural property, conservation science is the interdisciplinary study of the conservation of art, architecture, technical art history and other cultural works through the use of scientific inquiry. General areas of research include the technology and structure of artistic and historic works. In other words, the materials and techniques from which cultural, artistic and historic objects are made.
A conservator-restorer is a professional responsible for the preservation of artistic and cultural artifacts, also known as cultural heritage. Conservators possess the expertise to preserve cultural heritage in a way that retains the integrity of the object, building or site, including its historical significance, context and aesthetic or visual aspects. This kind of preservation is done by analyzing and assessing the condition of cultural property, understanding processes and evidence of deterioration, planning collections care or site management strategies that prevent damage, carrying out conservation treatments, and conducting research. A conservator's job is to ensure that the objects in a museum's collection are kept in the best possible condition, as well as to serve the museum's mission to bring art before the public.
The conservation and restoration of ivory objects is the process of maintaining and preserving objects that are ivory or include ivory material. Conservation and restoration are aimed at preserving the ivory material and physical form along with the objects condition and treatment documentation. Activities dedicated to the preservation of ivory objects include preventing agents of deterioration that specifically connect with ivory as a material, preventative conservation, and treatment of ivory objects. Conservators, curators, collections managers, and other museum personnel are in charge of taking the necessary measurements to ensure that ivory objects are well maintained and will make the decision for any conservation and restoration of the objects.
Conservation and restoration of glass objects is one aspect of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. The nature and varying composition of the material, and the variety of types of object made from it, demand certain specialized techniques. The conservator needs to be aware of "agents of deterioration" presenting particular risk to glass objects, and how to prevent or counteract their effects. Relevant education and training is available in certain countries through museums, conservation institutes and universities.
Collection maintenance is an area of collections management that consists of the day-to-day hands on care of collections and cultural heritage. The primary goal of collections maintenance or preventive conservation is to prevent further decay of cultural heritage by ensuring proper storage and upkeep including performing regular housekeeping of the spaces and objects and monitoring and controlling storage and gallery environments. Collections maintenance is part of the risk management field of collections management. The professionals most involved with collections maintenance include collection managers, registrars, and archivists, depending on the size and scope of the institution. Collections maintenance takes place in two primary areas of the museum: storage areas and display areas.
The conservation and restoration of books, manuscripts, documents, and ephemera is an activity dedicated to extending the life of items of historical and personal value made primarily from paper, parchment, and leather. When applied to cultural heritage, conservation activities are generally undertaken by a conservator. The primary goal of conservation is to extend the lifespan of the object as well as maintaining its integrity by keeping all additions reversible. Conservation of books and paper involves techniques of bookbinding, restoration, paper chemistry, and other material technologies including preservation and archival techniques.
The conservation and restoration of musical instruments is performed by conservator-restorers who are professionals, properly trained to preserve or protect historical and current musical instruments from past or future damage or deterioration. Because musical instruments can be made entirely of, or simply contain, a wide variety of materials such as plastics, woods, metals, silks, and skin, to name a few, a conservator should be well-trained in how to properly examine the many types of construction materials used in order to provide the highest level or preventive and restorative conservation.
A photograph conservator is a professional who examines, documents, researches, and treats photographs, including documenting the structure and condition of art works through written and photographic records, monitoring conditions of works in storage and exhibition and transit environments. This person also performs all aspects of the treatment of photographs and related artworks with adherence to the professional Code of Ethics.
The conservation and restoration of wooden furniture is an activity dedicated to the preservation and protection of wooden furniture objects of historical and personal value. When applied to cultural heritage this activity is generally undertaken by a conservator-restorer. Furniture conservation and restoration can be divided into two general areas: structure and finish. Structure generally relates to wood and can be divided into solid, joined, and veneered wood. The finish of furniture can be painted or transparent.
The conservation and restoration of clocks refers to the care given to the physical and functional aspects of time measuring devices featuring "moving hands on a dial face" exclusive of watches. Care for clocks constitutes regulating the external environment, cleaning, winding, lubrication, pest-management, and repairing or replacing mechanical and aesthetic components to preserve or achieve the desired state as specified by the owner. Clocks are typically composed of multiple types of materials such as wood, metal, paint, plastic, etc., which have unique behaviors and environmental interactions, making treatment options complex. The materials used and the complexity of clockwork warrant having a Horological Conservator complete the work.
The conservation and restoration of lacquerware prevents and mitigates deterioration or damage to objects made with lacquer. The two main types of lacquer are Asian, made with sap from the Urushi tree, and European, made with a variety of shellac and natural resins. Lacquer can be damaged by age, light, water, temperature, or damaged substrate.
Conservation-restoration of bone, horn, and antler objects involves the processes by which the deterioration of objects either containing or made from bone, horn, and antler is contained and prevented. Their use has been documented throughout history in many societal groups as these materials are durable, plentiful, versatile, and naturally occurring/replenishing.
The conservation and restoration of paintings is carried out by professional painting conservators. Paintings cover a wide range of various mediums, materials, and their supports. Painting types include fine art to decorative and functional objects spanning from acrylics, frescoes, and oil paint on various surfaces, egg tempera on panels and canvas, lacquer painting, water color and more. Knowing the materials of any given painting and its support allows for the proper restoration and conservation practices. All components of a painting will react to its environment differently, and impact the artwork as a whole. These material components along with collections care will determine the longevity of a painting. The first steps to conservation and restoration is preventive conservation followed by active restoration with the artist's intent in mind.
The conservation and restoration of woodblock prints, is the process of caring for and repairing images made from a specific printing process involving using wooden reliefs to stamp or imprint an image onto paper. The process of creating woodblock prints as Asian examples are known, or woodcuts as Western examples are called, has been known for many centuries, and many older prints have experienced aging and deterioration of the paper and colorants used.
The conservation of taxidermy is the ongoing maintenance and preservation of zoological specimens that have been mounted or stuffed for display and study. Taxidermy specimens contain a variety of organic materials, such as fur, bone, feathers, skin, and wood, as well as inorganic materials, such as burlap, glass, and foam. Due to their composite nature, taxidermy specimens require special care and conservation treatments for the different materials.
The conservation-restoration of panel paintings involves preventive and treatment measures taken by paintings conservators to slow deterioration, preserve, and repair damage. Panel paintings consist of a wood support, a ground, and an image layer. They are typically constructed of two or more panels joined together by crossbeam braces which can separate due to age and material instability caused by fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature. These factors compromise structural integrity and can lead to warping and paint flaking. Because wood is particularly susceptible to pest damage, an IPM plan and regulation of the conditions in storage and display are essential. Past treatments that have fallen out of favor because they can cause permanent damage include transfer of the painting onto a new support, planing, and heavy cradling. Today's conservators often have to remediate damage from previous restoration efforts. Modern conservation-restoration techniques favor minimal intervention that accommodates wood's natural tendency to react to environmental changes. Treatments may include applying flexible battens to minimize deformation or simply leaving distortions alone, instead focusing on preventive care to preserve the artwork in its original state.
The conservation and restoration of wooden artifacts refers to the preservation of art and artifacts made of wood. Conservation and restoration in regards to cultural heritage is completed by a conservator-restorer.
The Conservation of South Asian household shrines is an activity dedicated to the preservation of household shrines from South Asia. When applied to cultural heritage, held by either museums or private collectors, this activity is generally undertaken by a conservator-restorer. South Asian shrines held in museum collections around the world are principally shrines relate to Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist households. Due to their original use and sacred nature, these shrines present unique conservation and restoration challenges for those tasked with their care.
The conservation and restoration of quilts refers to the processes involved in maintaining the integrity of quilts and/or restoring them to an acceptable standard so that they may be preserved for future generations. Quilts have been produced for centuries, as utilitarian blankets, decorations, family heirlooms, and now treasured museum collections objects. Quilts are three-layered textile pieces with a decorated top, a back, and a filler in the middle. The composite nature of these objects creates an interesting challenge for their conservation, as the separate layers can be made of different textile materials, multiple colors, and therefore, varying degrees of wear, tear, and damage.
The 'ten agents of deterioration' are a conceptual framework developed by the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) used to categorise the major causes of change, loss or damage to cultural heritage objects. Also referred to as the 'agents of change', the framework was first developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The defined agents reflect and systematise the main chemical and physical deterioration pathways to which most physical material is subject. They are a major influence on the applied practice of conservation, restoration, and collection management, finding particular use in risk management for cultural heritage collections.
↑ American Institute for Conservation (AIC); Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC). "Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice". www.culturalheritage.org. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
↑ Richmond, Alison (2005). "The Ethics Checklist - ten years on". Conservation Journal. Victoria and Albert Museum (50). Retrieved 24 October 2021– via www.vam.ac.uk. [The ethics checklist was] drafted initially for our [V&A] own use, it was first introduced to the profession by Jonathan Ashley-Smith at a conference at The British Museum in 1994.
Davis Kho January 28, 2009, Nancy (28 January 2009). "Restoring antiques a nearly lost art". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 30 November 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
