Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a paper conservator?
A. A paper conservator is someone who specialises in stabilising, cleaning, repairing and conserving works of art on paper. These include drawings, prints, watercolours, maps, parchments etc

Q. Why would I need a conservator?
A. Paper is sensitive to its surroundings: it can be adversely affected by damp, changes in temperature and humidity, restriction of movement and exposure to light. Paper also rapidly reacts with other materials brought into contact with it,
such as acidic mount boards and self adhesive tapes.

Q. How can I tell that there are problems?
A. Evidence of damage caused by adverse surroundings and contact with harmful materials can be seen as tears, mount burns, foxing, fading of pigments and a darkening and embrittlement of the paper.

Q. Is it going to be expensive?
A. Simply changing and old mount to an acid free mount can cost as little as £15 and will prolong the life of the work almost indefinitely.

Q. Is it worth conserving?
A. As professional conservators we will advise you on this, however, if it is important to you then it most certainly is worth conserving.

Q. How long will it take?
A. A time frame will be agreed upon before undertaken any work. On average this is about 4 weeks.

Q. Is it too badly damaged to be conserved?
A. There is invariably always some form of treatment that can be carried out whether it is simply stabilising a bad situation, up to a full conservation treatment and repair. If in doubt, ask your conservator for advice.

Q. How do I know that a conservator is properly trained?
A. Ask them what their professional qualifications are and what accreditation they hold to professional bodies, such as the Institute of Conservation (IC) or the United Kingdom Institute of Conservation (UKIC) or the Society of Archivists (S of A).

Q. What about insurance?
A. Your own insurance company will usually cover short periods away from your premises, if you ask them to.