Surveys

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Conservation Survey

A conservation survey is a broad scope assessment of an entire collection or a large number of items. This is performed for both institutions and private collectors with items numbering over a dozen or more, and can take a few hours or a few days. A survey of this scope will result in a Survey Recommendation. A Survey Recommendation will speak to a quick assessment (not in depth) of each piece, with an eye to which pieces are in need of treatment first from our point of view, and also on how to approach conserving the most important items in a collection. It will not result in a Proposed Treatment Report, which is generated by an in depth Conservation Assessment.

In large museums, a curator often performs their own long-range plans toward treatment. However, often the additional opinion of a conservator within the specialty of the items needing conservation is of value. A specialist often knows more about the signs of deterioration, and sometimes monies can be saved by treating like pieces together. The next step, a Conservation Assessment, will be taken when the curator decides which items are to be treated.

Survey Recommendation

Surveys must be done on-site. The point of the surveys is to assess which objects are in dire need of conservation or preservation efforts, and the general nature of the treatments needed or problems encountered. A formal Survey Recommendation is generated, which may cover some or all of the following:

	Problematic areas on the object
	Numeric evaluation (on a scale of 1-5) of importance in terms of conservation necessity
	Overall structure, finish and/or upholstery problems
	Pest infestation

If conservation of an object is not possible in a timely manner, interim prevention or conservation measures are recommended to stave off deterioration, where applicable

	Noting problematic maintenance procedures and possible systematic changes needed, toward preventing unnecessary deterioration, where applicable
	Proposals for detailed examinations of particular objects may be suggested, to be done while still on-site, or at a later date.

Generally accurate estimates cannot be done without a Conservation Assessment, or detailed assessment.

To Contact MPF Conservation, click here!