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Other Services
Research & Writing
We are available to write articles for public or private institutional publications on pieces we are treating or any number of topics relating to furniture history and conservation.
During treatments, we are available to write public updates or informative articles for the institution.
Education
We are available to talk on the following topics:
- How to Care For Your Treasures
- What are Traditional Finishes?
- Treatment Processes
- Holding the Value of Your Treasures
Fund Raising
Funding for projects is always a challenge. As conservators who are passionate about objects being cared for, and who also have expertise with marketing in the arts fields, we are willing to assist with fundraising. We are willing to give talks or short seminars on conserving items, or how to care for items, or write articles for your institution's newsletter.
Authentication versus Appraisals
MPF Conservation (MPFC) does not appraise items because it is a conflict of interest for anyone involved in the conservation,restoration, or repair of items to also appraise items. We can assist in authenticating an item, which is to say we may be able to tell our clients a great deal about their piece, but cannot offer values.
We cannot recommend appraisers as they should be specific to the items and to the area in which you live, but can give you some suggestions about finding a good appraiser.
- Ask for references and check them.
- Don’t trust an interior designer, architect, or antique dealer who says they know this or that about the object – go for the real thing, a certified appraiser.
- Think twice about using an appraiser that has an interest in selling your item, unless they are a large auction house with a good reputation such as Southebys.
- A first pass may include good digital photographs, but it is probably that the item will have to be seen in person to authenticate it, and then certify the value.
- Ask for a certified appraisal, meaning they sign their good name to a document that states what they believe this is worth.
- There are a few appraisal societies, and while they are not governed by licensing in the same way you may think of a professional (architect, doctor, lawyer) the organizations may have ways to recommend appraisers, and so this may be a starting place, and both list appraisers across the country.
International Society of Appraisers
(also good for more info on the appraisal process)
1131 SW 7th St Suite 105
Renton, WA 98057-1215
tel: 206-241-0359
fax: 206-241-0436
Antiques RoadShow has a listing of appraisers by specialty
Contact Information
dkatiepowell@aol.com / mitchellrpowell@aol.com
503.970.2509 / 541.531.2383
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