Conservation Services
Preventive Conservation.
The most effective conservation is the treatment that never needs to happen. Preventive conservation protects works from the conditions that cause deterioration — before damage occurs.
Our Philosophy
Prevention is the highest form of conservation.
Every conservation treatment — however skilfully carried out — involves some degree of intervention in the original fabric of a work. The goal of preventive conservation is to reduce the need for such interventions by addressing the environmental and physical conditions that cause deterioration in the first place. It is, in every sense, the most respectful approach to the care of art.
We offer preventive conservation services to private collectors, estates and small institutions. Our advice is practical, specific and based on the actual conditions of your collection — not generic guidelines. We work with what you have and help you make the most significant improvements within your constraints.
The Six Pillars
What we address.
Climate & Environment
Temperature and relative humidity are the primary environmental factors affecting the long-term stability of art objects. Fluctuations cause dimensional changes in organic materials — canvas, wood, paper, ivory — that lead to cracking, delamination and structural failure over time. We assess the environmental conditions of your display and storage spaces and provide specific recommendations for temperature, humidity and ventilation.
Practical Recommendations
- Target RH: 45–55% for most works; 50–60% for works on paper
- Target temperature: 18–21°C; avoid fluctuations greater than 2°C/day
- Avoid proximity to heating and cooling vents, exterior walls and windows
- Consider a data logger to monitor conditions over time
Light & UV Management
Light causes irreversible fading and degradation of pigments, dyes, paper and organic materials. Ultraviolet radiation is particularly damaging — it breaks down chemical bonds in organic materials at a molecular level. Visible light causes fading of sensitive pigments and dyes. The cumulative effect of light exposure is permanent and cannot be reversed by conservation treatment.
Practical Recommendations
- UV-filtering glazing for all framed works (Tru Vue Conservation Clear or Museum Glass)
- Avoid direct sunlight on any art object at any time
- Use LED lighting with low UV output; avoid halogen and fluorescent sources
- Rotate sensitive works out of display periodically to reduce cumulative exposure
Pollution & Air Quality
Atmospheric pollutants — sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulates — cause chemical degradation of pigments, metals, paper and organic materials. In urban environments, pollution levels can be significant even indoors. Dust and particulates accumulate on surfaces and can cause abrasion and chemical damage. Good air filtration and regular, careful dusting are among the most effective preventive measures available.
Practical Recommendations
- HEPA filtration for display and storage spaces where possible
- Avoid smoking, candles and open fires in spaces where art is displayed
- Regular, careful dusting with soft brushes — never vacuum directly on surfaces
- Avoid storage near materials that off-gas (new carpets, paints, adhesives)
Storage & Handling
The majority of damage to art objects occurs during handling and storage — not from the slow processes of environmental deterioration. Correct storage and handling procedures are among the most cost-effective preventive conservation measures available. We provide written handling guidelines for individual works and collections, and can advise on storage furniture, packing materials and transport procedures.
Practical Recommendations
- Always handle works with clean cotton gloves or clean dry hands
- Never lift a painting by its stretcher bars — support from below
- Store works vertically, separated by acid-free tissue or foam
- Use acid-free, lignin-free materials for all storage and packing
Regular Condition Monitoring
Preventive conservation is not a one-time intervention — it is an ongoing practice. Regular condition monitoring allows deterioration to be identified and addressed before it becomes serious. We offer periodic condition surveys for collections of all sizes, providing a written record of the condition of each work and flagging any areas of concern for attention.
Practical Recommendations
- Annual visual inspection of all works in the collection
- Photographic documentation of condition at regular intervals
- Immediate attention to any signs of active deterioration — flaking, mould, insect activity
- Professional condition survey every 3–5 years for significant collections
Collection Documentation
A well-documented collection is a protected collection. Comprehensive records — photographs, condition reports, provenance documentation, insurance valuations — are essential for the management, insurance and eventual sale or bequest of a collection. We assist collectors in establishing and maintaining documentation systems appropriate to the scale and nature of their collection.
Practical Recommendations
- Photographic record of every work — front, back, details, signatures
- Written condition record for each work, updated after any treatment
- Secure off-site backup of all digital records
- Insurance valuation by a qualified appraiser every 3–5 years
What We Offer
Preventive services from I'Arte Rinasce.
Collection Survey
By arrangementA systematic examination of every work in a collection, producing a written condition record and prioritised list of conservation requirements. Suitable for collections of any size.
Environmental Assessment
Half or full dayOn-site assessment of the environmental conditions in display and storage spaces, with specific recommendations for improvement and, where required, monitoring equipment.
Handling & Storage Audit
Half dayReview of current storage and handling practices, with written guidelines tailored to the specific works in the collection and the spaces available.
Emergency Response
As requiredImmediate advice and, where required, on-site response to conservation emergencies — flood, fire, impact damage, active deterioration. Available to existing clients.
Framing & Glazing Review
By arrangementAssessment of existing framing and glazing for conservation suitability, with recommendations for reframing or upgrading to conservation-standard materials.
Collector Education
Half dayOne-to-one sessions for collectors on the care, handling and display of their works. Tailored to the specific collection and the collector's level of experience.
"The best conservation is invisible — not because it conceals what has been done, but because nothing needed to be done."
Begin a Consultation
Discuss your work with our conservators.