What is a conservator ?

Conservation professionals manage and execute treatments of objects of artistic and historic significance. The conservator strives to slow down the processes of deterioration to a minimum. The aim is to preserve the objects for the benefit of present and future generations. Conservation treatments are complex and may involve some risk to the object.

Relevant education and practical experience are necessary for high standards and adequate performance. To understand the scientific, aesthetic and historic characteristics of the object and to anticipate the long term effects of treatments, a professional conservator must be versatile and well skilled.

Professional conservators follow ethical principles set up by the international professional body of conservators.

For further information
Conservation-Restorer: a definition of the profession (ICOM-CC, Copenhagen 1984) Code of ethics. E.C.C.O. Professional guidelines (European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers, ´Organizations, Brussels, 11 June 1993)

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Certification, Accreditation, Licensing

Today the profession of the conservator is not regulated but this question is being seriously discussed. One of the main questions for E.C.C.O. (European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers´Organizations) is the development of Europe-wide professional standards. The question of certification, accreditation and licensing has so far been briefly discussed in Sweden, but a more intense debate is to be expected. At SVK we follow this topic with interest.

It is the owner or legal guardian of a collection who has the responsibility to select the conservator / studio abiding to international ethical guidelines and who will provide the best possible long term results.

Today anyone can use the title conservator. Before signing a contract with a conservator / studio the client ought to investigate:

• training and specialities of the conservator /studio
  
• professional experience and references
  
• facilities and special equipment
  
• membership and professional affiliation with national and international conservation organisations

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Legislations regulating the conservation activities in Sweden

Parts of the Swedish cultural heritage is protected by law. These are archaeological artefacts and sites; cemeteries, church buildings and inventories belonging to the Church of Sweden and specially protected buildings and monuments. When working with these objects special permission is needed.

All archives and some libraries and of course the Swedish flag, are also protected by different laws.

For further information
Kulturminneslagen, SFS 1988:950 Arkivlagen

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When contracting SVK

Diagnostic examination
Appropriate judgement to determine the condition and to propose a plan for treatment can only be made by examination of the object or collection. As a client you can bring the object to the studio for diagnostic examination. In certain cases the diagnostic examination can be made in situ.

Conservation plan
Describes the present condition and other information of relevance concerning the object.

Proposes treatments with an explanation of expected results and potential risks involved. The suggested treatments can be both preventive and interventive actions.

Gives, when appropriate, a detailed description of legislation in force.

Contract
An offer is made based on the conservation plan. The offer specifies the costs for the conservation and additional charges. The estimated completion date considering both the clients request and the backlog of work at SVK is given. Special conditions regulating insurances, transports et cetera are enclosed.

The contract has to be signed by the client before the treatment can start.

Documentation
All conservation treatments are documented in a written report. Photographs, x-rays et cetera will be included if specified in the contract.

A copy of the report and the negatives will be kept in the archives of SVK.

Maintenance
To prevent neglect and to extend the period until next conservation treatment is needed regular preventive inspections and procedures are important. SVK offers a service contract specially designed for the client´s needs.

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Why contract SVK ?

The conservators selected to work at SVK are well trained, versatile and collaborative. They all strive to present a compleatly professional result.

The conservators know and abide international ethical guidlines and discuss openly our policies and procedures.

The conservators participate in conferences, seminares and courses to keep abreast of/with development.

Methods and materials used are chosen with currently accepted practice. The facilities are of high standard. The building and SVK area are protected by approved security system.

Professional management is conducted. The client will get written treatment proposals, specified contract/offer and information of SVK´s general terms and conditions.

Pertinent laws and agreements concerning cultural heritage are practised. Working condition, health and security regulations are followed.