Conservation, also known as conservation and restoration, is a job where people try to protect the important parts of a culture for the future.
Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, protection. All of this work is supported by research and education.
Definition
In traditional terms, the role of the conservator involves the examination, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage using "any methods that prove effective in keeping that property in as close to its original condition as possible for as long as possible."
The role of conservation is a kind stewardship.
The conservator has ethical guidelines, including
Minimal intervention
Materials and methods which can be undone if necessary
Full documentation of all work
An appropriate conservation strategy requires good judgment, taking into account
the views of the owner of the object
the heritage value and meaning of the object
the physical needs of the material
Gallery
This series of images shows the process of restoration of a mural in France.
References
Other websites
Metropolitan Museum of Art, What is Art Conservation? Liverpool Museum, Agents of Deterioration
