Q. How does it work?
A. Contact us for an initial consultation, a broad estimate in an email or to schedule an examination at the studio. Telephone inquiries and email communications are free. The in-studio examination and consultation will address the artwork’s condition, treatment time, and cost estimates free of charge. On-site examination of your artwork or collection can be arranged based on an hourly fee. If you decide to proceed to the next step, the object is left in our care and a formal written proposal for treatment is prepared. Insurance for the artwork while in our care will be addressed on this document.

Q. Does the value of the artwork affect the cost of the treatment?
A. No. The treatment cost is based solely on the restoration and preservation needs of the object. The total cost of treatment is calculated using a spreadsheet and is determined by the complexity of conservation procedures necessary for the size of the damage.

Q. How can I get a broad estimate in an email?
A. Please send a description of the damage including dimensions and photographs (preferably in JPEG format) or click here to fill out our form.

Q. How accurate is an email estimate?
A. An email estimate is based on the information provided. This estimate represents typical treatment cost for a particular type of damage. This is only designed to provide a general idea of cost. For a more accurate estimate, the work needs to be examined in person.

Q. Will there be a charge for an examination of the artwork and final estimate?
A. No. We will be happy to discuss all available treatment options with cost estimate free of charge.

Q. When will a formal treatment proposal be prepared and is there a fee for this report?
A. If the final estimate meets with your approval, a formal written condition report and treatment proposal along with contractual terms will be prepared. There is a small fee for this report, which will be waived if the proposal is accepted.

Q. Will I need to leave a deposit?
A. Yes. With some exceptions, we ask that the client leave a deposit based on a percentage of the total estimated cost, upon approval of the treatment proposal.

Q. When will treatment commence?
A. Conservation treatment will begin as soon as we receive the client's signed authorization and deposit.

Q. Do you provide insurance for the artwork during treatment?
A. Yes. Artworks are insured while in the studio by a fine art conservator insurance covered by AXA Art Insurance Corporation for the amount that you specify.

Q. How do I handle transportation of the artwork to the sudio?
A. Professional shipping services are highly recommended for large works or items of high value, but are not required. If you choose to bring the artwork in person, you may contact us for advice on handling and transport. Transportation of small paintings is available upon request for a modest fee.

Q. How long will it take to complete treatment?
A. Conservation procedures can be time consuming. However, most projects are completed within eight weeks. Treatment time will vary depending on the complexity of the project and the number of works in progress. Treatments are carried out in the order they are received. We can make a special arrangement, if the treatment needs to be completed by a certain date.

Q. Do you provide appraisals or valuations?
A. No. "The conservation professional must not provide a formal or informal appraisal of a cultural property when the same conservation professional may treat it." -(AIC) However, we can provide a list of reputable dealers and appraisers, as well as other options to fit your need.

Art Conservation Links

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC)
The national membership organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage and professional standards of practice.

International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC)
Promoting knowledge, methods and working standards needed to protect and preserve historic and artistic works throughout the world.

Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC)
A nonprofit membership organization for professional conservators founded to bring together conservators practicing in the Western United.

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI)
The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training.

Conservation OnLine (CoOL)
A valuable online resource provided by the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries.

ArtCare
An online community of art conservators, art appraisers, and other art professionals.

Canadian Conservation Institute
Professional membership organization for art conservation in Canada.

Heritage Preservation Association
Institute for conservation working to save the objects that embody our history, partnering with conservators and museums across the nation.

Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute
Center for specialized technical collections research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums and collections.

Cameo: Conservation & Art Material Encyclopedia Online
An electronic database that compiles the distinct collection of terms, materials, and techniques used in the fields of art conservation and historic preservation.

Artlex.com
Online dictionary for artists, collectors, students and educators in art production, criticism, history, aesthetics, and education.

chubbcollectors.com
Website created by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies to provide collectors with information on collecting and protecting valuable articles like fine arts, stamps and coins, and wine.

Conserve O Grams
Focused leaflets about caring for museum objects, published in loose-leaf format.

Abstract International Conservation Literature
A comprehensive database of over 100,000 abstracts of literature related to the preservation and conservation of material cultural heritage.

Artcyclopedia: The Fine Art Search Engine
An index of online museums and image archives: find out where the works of over 8,000 different fine artists can be viewed online.

Fine Art & Art Movements
All you need to know about art periods, art prints, art galleries, and artist biographies.

Pigments through the ages
All about pigments in paintings

Artnet
Online auction and art price database

The National Archives
Guidelines for the care of some of the more common materials to be affected by a natural disaster or other emergency

Fine Art Transportation Services:

Fine Art Shipping

LA Packing Crating and Transport

Fine Art Appraisers:
National associations for professional appraisal services

American Society of Appraisers ASA

Appraisers Association of America AAA

International Society of Appraisers ISA

Bonhams
Auction house with location in Los Angeles

Sotheby's
Auction house with location in Beverly Hills

AskART.Com
Database & "Blue Book" of American artists

Art Conservation Training Programs in the United States

Buffalo State College – Art Conservation Department

New York University – The Conservation Center

Queen's University – Department of Art

Winterthur / University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation