Specializing in the care and preservation of public art and small belongings
Who are you?
What is art conservation?
How may I contact you?
Art Conservation Services
FAQ
I’m an adaptable problem solver with a knack for cleaning and repairing art and heritage objects, also known as an art conservator. I have a Master of Art Conservation degree from Queen’s University (MAC ‘25) and many years of experience working and volunteering in the arts.
My hobbies include making pottery decorated with wild clay slip, drawing inanimate objects, baking dairy-free sweets and savouries, and petting cats.
Art conservation is the practice of preserving art and cultural heritage through a professional code of ethics. The Museum of Anthropology (Vancouver, Canada) describes the role of an art conservator as “preserving the past by being actively engaged in it, thereby ensuring its living future.” I like to think that just like medical professionals care for people, art conservators care for the objects that are important to people—the objects that live with us. In the interest of distinguishing art conservation from restoration, any intervention done to the object(s) is called a “treatment.” Art conservation encompass a range of disciplines, including but certainly not limited to chemistry, art history, materials science, fine art, and traditional crafts.
In order to provide the best possible care, art conservators must complete graduate level university training and we are always upgrading our knowledge and skills. I am a recent graduate of the Master of Art Conservation program at Queen’s University, with a specialism in the treatment of Objects, which means that I am trained in the care of a variety of material types, such as pottery, stone, metal, wood, and plastic.
Investing in the care of your art or cultural belongings will ensure their longevity in the present and future. As a heritage professional with years of experience in the treatment of objects* in both public and private collections, I am looking forward to working with you or your organization. Contact me to discuss potential opportunities, and visit my Portfolio to see recently completed projects.
*Please note that while I can provide basic preventive advice for paintings and works on paper (drawings, photographs, documents, etc), I am not formally trained in these areas! Instead, I will kindly refer you to other local professionals.
Assessment and documentation
The materials and condition of the object(s) will be assessed and documented using written descriptions, photography, and instrumental analysis. A detailed Condition Report of the object(s) will be provided to you, the client/custodian.
Initial consultation (1 hour) — FREE!
I will meet with you at your location to examine your object(s) and determine the possible scope of work. Please note that I am unable to provide in-studio consultations at this time.
Condition Report — $50 (base fee) — $30 per hour
Includes photographic documentation, condition assessment, and basic material testing. The total fee will vary depending on the complexity of the assessment and time required for documentation. I am currently unable to provide comprehensive material analysis or identification but will recommend alternative service providers if necessary.
Treatment proposal
If intervention is recommended, I will propose a conservation treatment. Consultation with community members and/or authorization for specific conservation treatments from the client/custodian will be completed, as appropriate.
Treatment Proposal — $50
Recommendations for the appropriate treatment of your object(s). The proposed treatment will vary based on the assessed needs of the object(s). Once approved by you and any other stakeholders, the treatment can begin.
Conservation treatment
Treatments are carried out according to ethical standards as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC). All treatments are fully documented and the documentation will be provided to you for your records. Recommendations for future care will be included.
Object Treatment — $250 (base fee) — $30 per hour
Treatments will be carried out based on the principles of minimizing intervention and ensuring retreatability. The total cost is dependent on the scope of treatment and whether or not an archival storage box is prepared for the object(s). The base fee includes a detailed Treatment Report, material and supply costs, power and water usage, and other incidentals such as travel.
Treatment Report — included in treatment service
Once the treatment of your object(s) is complete, you will receive a detailed report outlining the methods and materials used to complete the work. I will include recommendations for future care and storage.
Archival Storage Box — variable cost
If your object(s) will not be displayed or used often, it is highly recommended to store them in a safe, acid-free, archival box to keep them protected. Boxes are pre-made but the interior configurations and materials used will be customized so the cost can vary considerably. As a general rule, the larger an object is, the more its box will cost.
Consultation
Guidance and consultation regarding preventive conservation and preservation measures may be requested. Preventive measures include issues relating to access, handling, housing, storage, environmental controls, mould and pest control, object installation and de-installation, exhibition, packing, and transit of objects.
Preventive Conservation Consultation — $100 (base fee) — $30 per hour
I will meet with you on location to assess the condition of the space in which your object(s) are housed, such as rooms, storage areas, galleries, etc. I will evaluate factors like environmental controls, mould and pest activity, accessibility, housing and/or packing, and storage. The base fee for this consultation includes a Preventive Conservation Report outlining the details of the assessment and any recommended changes.
Contact me by email to request services or ask questions that have not been covered in this FAQ. I’m also on Instagram, and you may send your inquiries that way if you’d prefer.