Condition Assessment and Treatment Proposal
At our studio, we provide comprehensive Condition Assessments and Treatment Proposals designed to give clients a clear, accurate, and professional understanding of their artworks’ needs. Each assessment begins with a detailed examination of the materials, techniques, current condition, and any factors that may be impacting the stability or appearance of the piece. We then prepare a thoroughly documented report that outlines our findings, identifies potential risks, and explains the causes of deterioration when relevant.
Based on this analysis, we develop a tailored Treatment Proposal that presents the most appropriate conservation options, including recommended interventions, expected outcomes, and any alternative approaches when applicable. Our goal is to support informed decision-making and to ensure that every artwork receives the highest standard of care aligned with best conservation practices.
Condition Assessment
Our Condition Assessment offers an in-depth evaluation of each artwork, combining visual analysis with specialized conservation techniques. A standard assessment includes:
- Thorough examination under natural, raking, and magnified light
- Identification of materials and artist techniques
- Documentation of structural issues, surface changes, and past restorations
- Identification of agents of deterioration (light, humidity, handling, storage)
- High-resolution photography and annotated images
- Preventive care recommendations tailored to the artwork’s specific needs
This assessment serves as a reliable baseline for understanding the artwork’s current condition and guiding future decision-making.
Treatment Proposal
Our Treatment Proposals provide a clear, structured plan for the conservation of each artwork, outlining the specific steps required to address its unique condition and long-term needs. Rather than offering a generic solution, we design each proposal to balance preservation goals with the artwork’s historical integrity, material sensitivity, and intended display or use. The proposal includes a description of the recommended interventions, the rationale behind each choice, anticipated challenges, and the expected visual and structural results. This document serves as a roadmap for the conservation process, helping clients understand not only what will be done, but why those measures are appropriate for the artwork’s continued stability and care.
Examples of drawings mapping damages
Why These Services Matter
A professional assessment and proposal ensure that every conservation action is necessary, well-justified, and aligned with best practices. These services:
- Prevent unnecessary treatments
- Help mitigate further deterioration
- Provide essential documentation for insurance, loans, or appraisals
- Support responsible stewardship of cultural property
- Offer clarity and confidence before initiating conservation work
Documentation Standards
Our studio follows internationally recognized professional guidelines and ethical frameworks, including those outlined by the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and the International Institute for Conservation (IIC). Our reports use clear terminology, disclose all observed conditions, and present proposed treatments with transparency and respect for the artwork’s integrity.
Examples of Common Findings and Treatments
To illustrate the type of work typically addressed in our assessments and proposals, examples might include:
- Watercolor on paper with surface grime, planar distortions, or acidity requiring washing or stabilization
- Oil painting with varnish discoloration, minor paint loss, or structural weaknesses
- Print or drawing affected by light damage, foxing, or old repairs needing adjustment
- Mixed media works requiring specialized care to balance diverse materials
These examples help clients understand the range of issues we evaluate while maintaining full confidentiality for individual artworks.
Before & After Documentation
When appropriate, we provide visual comparisons showing the artwork before and after treatment. These images highlight improvements in stability, legibility, and overall presentation while emphasizing that our interventions are always guided by conservation ethics and reversibility principles.
What to Expect as a Client
We aim to make the assessment process clear and straightforward. A typical workflow includes:
- Artwork delivery to the studio or an arranged on-site visit
- Initial examination and photographic documentation
- Preparation of the written Condition Assessment and/or Treatment Proposal
- Client meeting to review the findings if necessary
- Scheduling of treatment upon approval
We maintain open communication throughout the process and welcome client questions at every stage.
How to Prepare Artwork for Assessment
To ensure the safety of your artwork during transport and handling, we recommend:
- Using rigid supports and protective wrapping
- Avoiding adhesive tapes directly on artworks
- Providing any available provenance, past treatment information, or storage history
- Informing us of any urgent concerns, such as mold, flaking, or instability
Timeframes & Pricing
Assessment and proposal timelines vary depending on the artwork’s complexity, but most reports are completed within a reasonable period after examination. Costs also depend on the level of documentation required. We are happy to provide estimates in advance.
Contact Us
To request a Condition Assessment or Treatment Proposal, please contact us directly. We look forward to assisting you with the professional care your artwork deserves.