Art conservation and restoration involves preserving and restoring works of art, with specialists focusing on specific mediums such as paintings, sculptures, textiles, paper. Chemistry is important in painting restoration, while sculpture specialists must understand stonework and metalwork. Textile preservation requires knowledge of sewing and cleaning techniques, and paper art restoration is delicate and requires protection from humidity and sunlight.
Art conservation and restoration involves stopping a work of art from deteriorating and returning it to its original quality, usually after years of neglect. Careers in this field tend to be divided by what kind of art is being conserved. Specialists focus on a specific medium: paintings, sculptures, textiles or paper. Art restoration professionals in any of these mediums must be experts in artistic style, history, and safe preservation methods.
Chemistry is an important component of art conservation and restoration efforts that deal with painting. One of the biggest jobs of a paint restorer is first diagnosing the level of damage to a work, usually caused by smoke, dirt and sunlight, and then determining how to repair that damage. Understanding the chemical makeup of paint and canvas helps experts determine the best way to clean and restore paint to its natural shine. Paint preservation experts should also know how to repair torn canvas and old frames.
Sculpture specialists must have a firm understanding of stonework and metalwork. In art conservation and restoration, most sculptures fall into these two categories and it is crucial for these specialists to be able to diagnose weather damage and other forms of decay in sculptures. A sculpture conservator’s regular duties include cleaning statues, preventing further damage, and carrying out minor repairs to the work. In most cases, carving specialists place more emphasis on cleaning and prevention rather than correcting problems.
Textile preservation careers cover anything from cloth to wood and even ceramics. Art conservation and restoration work dealing with fabric art such as tapestries and antique clothing requires a strong understanding of sewing and cleaning techniques from various periods in history. Likewise, repairing and restoring antique furniture requires a vast understanding of construction techniques and woods in order to bring a table, chair or room hundreds of years ago back to life. Objects such as antique plates, pottery and cutlery must also be preserved and require a thorough understanding of glass and metal types.
Careers in conservation and restoration of paper art are among the most delicate jobs. Drawings, paper paintings and historical documents are particularly susceptible to deterioration. The professionals who take care of these works must understand how to deal with the works so that no more damage occurs and how to defend themselves against the enemies of paper: humidity and sunlight.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
