Art conservation and restoration

Conservation is the profession devoted to the preservation of cultural property for the future. Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care, supported by research and education. (Definition taken from the Core Documents of The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works - see external links.)

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Art restoration involves the cleaning, repairing, or reconstruction of art work. Commonly art restoration involves removing residue from sculptures or paintings. Art restoration can sometimes be controversial due to fears that a restoration would damage a piece, or on the grounds that damage or residue forms part of the history of a given piece and should not be modified. The statue of David recently underwent restoration, to remove dirt that had accumulated on the statues surface.

Related Topics:
Sculpture - Painting - Residue - Statue of David

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In North America, only four colleges/universities offer a major in art conservation:

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• The University of Delaware (in association with Winterthur Museum)
• Buffalo State College, New York
• Queen's University, Ontario
• New York University

In addition, the Getty Museum, in combination with UCLA is starting a program in Archeological Conservation, which is Art Conservation.

Related Topics:
Getty Museum - UCLA

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The opposite of art restoration is art destruction.

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Art conservation and restoration: See also ►