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The Conservation Process (Note: Restoration and Reinterpretation often do not include all these processes, so this article is outlining the process of conservation which has all components.) Conservation processes usually include examination and research, sometimes scientific, often historic, to determine the methods used in the creation of the piece. Often an upholstered piece is:
In all areas, the processes used are the process that went into the original building of the piece, unless there is a qualified reason to do something different. One such reason may be that an older technique might forever damage the frame, while a newer technique might save the piece. These decisions are not made by the conservator alone, but by the owners and the conservator together. MPF takes into account the physical deterioration of the piece and the implications of the work done in preserving its structure and value. If the piece is very valuable, any parts not used are set aside and handed back to the owner with a detailed explanation of where it was found, and how and when it was installed, if this can be determined. The processes of excavation, cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding are usually documented and given to the institution or owner to become part of the history of the piece. The documentation may also become part of an exhibit on the piece or on caring for pieces in a museum, or a thank you presentation for donors who contributed to the preservation of the piece. MPF initially takes the attitude of the conservator with any piece, and if a piece is valuable recommends actions that are appropriate to the piece. Occasionally owners are unaware of the importance or value of their piece! Sometimes “appropriate action" means simply touching up, cleaning, and polishing the finish on wood, for instance, rather than refinishing a piece. While a shiny new finish may look wonderful (restoration), it often devalues its worth by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If the piece needs more work than the owners can afford, sometimes temporary measures can be recommended. MPF informs owners of the consequences of their decisions prior to taking steps, from a conservator’s point of view.
A client that is hiring us to do conservation or restoration work will go through some or all of the following steps (as is applicable), with or without thorough documentation, as is appropriate:
Custom Design is a true departure from the above items. The process is akin to any design process, with front work done with the client to determine the client's needs and the pieces parameters. If reproduction work is requested, such as reproducing an antique chair to round out a set, the original piece is procurred as part of the design process. Estimates are offered after design work is completed.
We are considerate of our customer's time and schedule pieces to be delivered to us at the time we are ready to begin work. We do not store furniture. However, true conservation, preservation or restoration work takes time, and complicated pieces may be in our workshop for months!
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