Conservation & Preservation Of Historic Finishes and Architecture

Through years of handling different materials and mediums we have gained an understanding of how to approach conservation of any given object. By testing different solvents and cleaning methods we are able to clean the surface without doing harm to the object. Sometimes the most prolific design is not the most original. Understanding the intention of the room and the character of the building can, at times, be more important than the first campaign.

For example, many courtrooms were wallpapered for cost reasons prior to decorative paint. The intention was never to keep the rooms papered rather, to use the paper as a placeholder until the funds were raised paint the room. If one were too focused on conserving the “original” finishes versus the original intention, the design would be lost.

Conservation intends to preserve the integrity and history of the artwork as well as the hand of the original artist. Restoration is true to the original intent however it is replication.

Although conservation requires artistic ability, the work of the conservator is more focused on caring for the stability and integrity of the work than their own ability as an artist. For example, when conserving a painting, the artist must embody the method of the original artist to inpaint losses and restrain from overpainting.

Briefly, conservation cleaning can be broken into two categories: surface cleaning and removal. Surface cleaning does not affect the object, simply removes dirt. Conservation removal typically refers to varnish removal. The varnish may be removed for a number of reasons, one being the oxidation of the varnish causing it to yellow. Through an in-depth testing process, the proper means and methods to remove the varnish are determined. At the point the varnish is removed, the conservator is then fully able to access and interact with the damages to the artwork.

There is a fine line between inpainting and overpainting; the former preserves the artwork in its original form and as much of the artist’s hand as possible, the latter blends the new with the old and risks losing the original intention of the artist.

Inpainting is simply filling in the holes and avoiding the cross over between the losses and the original composition.

The conservator is not the artist. The conservator does not alter the composition rather mends and preserves.

Historic preservation is the practice of identifying, protecting, and maintaining historic structures, buildings, landscapes, and sites that have historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological significance. The goal is to retain their integrity and ensure that future generations can understand and appreciate their value and story. Preservation efforts may include preventing deterioration, repairing original features, and protecting sites from inappropriate alterations or demolition.

While often used interchangeably, preservation and conservation have distinct meanings in architectural practice.

• Preservation focuses on maintaining a building or historic site exactly as it is, emphasizing protection from change or decay.
  
  
• The field of conservation is broader and includes both preserving and carefully repairing or restoring architectural elements. It may involve interventions to stabilize, repair, or adapt structures while respecting their historical integrity.

Key principles of architectural conservation include:

• Minimal intervention: Only perform work that is necessary to preserve the structure.
• Reversibility: Whenever possible, use techniques and materials that can be undone without harming the original structure.
• Respect for original materials and craftsmanship: Retain historic materials and methods whenever feasible.
• Documentation: Record all existing conditions and conservation work for future reference.
• Compatibility:

  Any new work or materials should be physically and visually compatible with the historic fabric.

These principles help ensure that conservation projects maintain the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of a structure over time.