How can Works on Paper help me care for my art on paper, photographs, documents, and other paper-based objects?

Our studio specializes in conserving drawings, watercolors, prints, posters, maps, historic documents, photographs, and paper ephemera. We also conserve historic wallpaper and three-dimensional paper-based objects such as globes and fans.

Our staff will work closely with you to devise an individual conservation treatment plan for each object brought into the studio for examination. Conservation treatments can range in complexity, from flattening creased or cockled objects to detailed stain reduction and repairing complex tears and losses to the original object. We can also provide written guidelines for storing, exhibiting, and handling art and archival materials.

We are always happy to offer general preservation advice to anyone with questions about the proper care and handling of their paper-based collections, whether a single drawing or a collection of thousands of historic letters and documents.

What is conservation?

Conservation is the profession devoted to preserving cultural objects for the future, including items with artistic, historic, and personal value. Because of the technical nature of modern conservation, conservators specialize in a particular type of object, such as paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, furniture, or books.

Activities performed by a conservator include examination, scientific analysis, and research to determine the original materials used in an object and the extent of loss and damage. Conservation often includes hands-on treatment steps performed on the object to slow future deterioration. Other conservation activities routinely performed by the conservators at our studio include collection surveys, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, detailed documentation and condition reporting, and construction of archival housings and storage enclosures.

Is conservation different from restoration?

Sometimes confusion arises about the terms "conservation" and "restoration". Conservation is work done to stabilize and prolong the life of an object using methods and materials that have been rigorously tested for good aging characteristics and reversibility. Conservation treatment typically results in an improved visual appearance of the object, but restoration tends to imply purely aesthetic interventions that make an object look better in the short term.

The staff at Works on Paper are guided by a code of ethics developed by the American Institute of Conservation. Some of these guidelines include minimal intervention, complete documentation (both photographic and written) of all work undertaken, and the use of appropriate materials and methods that are reversible and prevent possible problems with future treatment, study, and use.

How much will conservation treatment cost?

Our studio assesses each object or collection individually, resulting in a unique conservation treatment plan with associated costs. This will vary depending on the condition, size, object type, materials, and the intended use after conservation treatment.

Our studio's minimum price for conservation treatment is $350; however, conservation treatment plans rarely cost less than $500.

Please get in touch with us first if you would like to bring or ship an object to our studio for an assessment.

Can I get a cost estimate via email or over the phone?

We are happy to provide you with an initial assessment and a predicted treatment plan for your object(s) over the phone or email. It is especially helpful to send us photographs of the front and back of the object, along with approximate dimensions, a brief condition description, and your goals for conservation treatment by email. However, a conservator must examine and test each object in person before we can commit to a treatment plan and cost. We charge a minimum fee of $100 for the condition report if you do not proceed with the project.

How do I transport something to Works on Paper?

The best way to transport an irreplaceable document, map, photograph, or work of art on paper is to pack it securely and deliver it yourself when possible. However, we work with clients from all over the country and can provide you with custom advice for packing and shipping your items to our studio.

Shipping carries some risk since objects may be accidentally crushed, exposed to vibrations, or significant temperature and relative humidity changes. You can reduce these risks by packing your item securely and choosing a reliable carrier. We suggest you ship your items to us on a Monday or Tuesday to decrease transit time and ensure delivery during the work week.

We are always happy to provide you with packing and shipping guidelines for your materials at no charge.

Please contact us first if you would like to bring or ship an object to our studio for an assessment.

Can a conservator from Works on Paper come to me?

Yes! A conservator can visit you on-site for a collections survey and/or evaluation of items to be treated. This could be a multi-day site visit to a cultural institution to perform a grant-funded collections assessment or a short visit to a private client to assess a family collection of photographs.

We specialize in conserving historic wallpapers, which almost always involves work on-site. Please contact Works on Paper to schedule a date for a conservator to visit your collection or site.

Our staff can also pick up and/or deliver items from local picture framers, galleries, and other clients in the region. Please contact us to discuss the specific arrangements, including the pickup/delivery fees.

What happens after a conservator examines my object(s)?

Condition Report and Treatment Proposal We will provide you with a written condition report and conservation treatment proposal. This will include a general condition assessment, a reference photograph of the object before treatment, an outline of recommended conservation procedures, and a cost estimate. Conservation treatment recommendations will be based on various factors, including the object’s present condition, predicted success of treatment, and how it will be used after it leaves our studio. The time it takes to complete the condition report and proposal varies but is typically completed within four weeks.

Approval and Scheduling of Work The treatment proposal is a contract that specifies the manner and type of work to be performed. The amount of time it takes to complete a treatment will vary. On average, it will take three to four months to complete your project once the work has been approved. Expedited treatment is usually available but is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the conservator's schedule and the types of treatment involved. A signed copy of the treatment proposal, accompanied by an initial payment of half the estimated treatment cost, must be returned to Works on Paper before any work can begin. We will confirm scheduling once this has been received.

Conservation Treatment Report and Return of Work A written conservation treatment report will be provided once the job is complete. It will include a description of the condition of the object(s) before treatment, a thumbnail photograph of the object before and after treatment, a detailed description of the conservation steps performed, recommendations for handling, storage, and display, and a list of the materials used throughout treatment. Photographs of the object(s) before and after treatment can be provided at no additional cost as high-resolution images by digital file transfer or as archival prints for an additional fee.

We will pack your object(s) for safe return to you after conservation treatment. Our staff will contact you to make arrangements for the return of your project. We must receive the payment for the balance due before we can return your conserved object(s) to you.

Can you appraise or authenticate my object?

No, we cannot appraise or authenticate your object. It's an ethical conflict of interest for conservators, and appraisal is a separate professional activity from conservation. An excellent place to start your search for a qualified appraiser is to contact your local museum or historical society, as they can often refer you to an appropriate specialist in your area. We are also happy to provide you with referrals whenever we can. More Info on appraisal referrals here.

Can you recommend picture framers? Conservators for objects that are not works on paper?

Our studio does not provide framing services in most cases. We work with several framers in the region who practice conservation-quality framing and are happy to provide a list of referrals.

As paper conservators, we strictly work on paper and parchment-based objects, so we don’t treat paintings on canvas, textiles, furniture, etc. We have a network of professional conservation colleagues we recommend to clients across New England.

You can also utilize the "Find a Conservator" database on the American Institution for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) website.