Conservation-Preservation
The fundamental role of the Conservator-Restorer is to preserve cultural property for the benefit of present and future generations. They contribute to the understanding of cultural property with respect for its aesthetic and historical significance and its physical integrity. The Conservator-Restorer is a professional who has the training, knowledge, skills, experience and understanding to act in order to preserve objects for the future.
https://c2rmf.fr/methodologie-et-deontologie-de-la-restauration
Preliminary examination
The Conservator-Restorer's mission is the diagnostic examination, conservation and restoration treatments of the cultural property. At each stage, they provide documentation of these interventions.
The diagnostic examination consists of determining
- the constituent materials
- the state of conservation of the object
- identifying its alterations, their nature and extent
- evaluating the causes of degradation
- determining the type and extent of intervention necessary for its preservation.
- Preparation of studies and documentation relating to the cultural property.
Preventive conservation
Preventive conservation involves acting indirectly on the cultural property to delay its deterioration or prevent the risk of alteration. This involves creating optimal preservation conditions compatible with its social use. Preventive conservation is also exercised during the handling, use, transport, packaging, storage and exhibition of cultural property.
Curative conservation
Curative conservation mainly consists of intervening directly on the cultural property in order to delay its alteration.
Restoration
Restoration consists of intervening directly on damaged cultural property. The aim is to facilitate its understanding while respecting as much as possible its aesthetic, historical and physical integrity.
Studies and reports
The documentation consists of an accurate record of images and written accounts of all actions undertaken and the reasoning behind them. A copy of the report must be given to the owner. Any additional requirements for the storage, maintenance, display or access to cultural property must be specified in this document.