The Department of Art & Architecture Conservation specializes in the restoration and preservation of artifacts. Our dedicated team employs a meticulous approach to examine each artifact, determining and implementing the necessary steps for its conservation. We prioritize the utilization of the highest-quality products available in the market for these delicate processes. Furthermore, our department undertakes comprehensive documentation of artifacts, employing scientific techniques to ensure accurate and thorough record-keeping.

Examination and Documentation

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Examination involves closely examining objects in the collection to identify and assess their condition, materials, and other relevant characteristics, including the anatomy of the artifact. This examination can help museum professionals understand the history and significance of an object. Additionally, it aids in making judicious decisions regarding its care and display.

                                                                                                                  “Examination and documentation: The first step in understanding and preserving cultural heritage.” 

Examination and documentation are crucial activities in museums for several reasons. Examination involves closely examining objects in the collection to identify and assess their condition, materials, and other relevant characteristics. This process helps museum professionals understand the history and significance of an object, informing decisions on how to best care for and display it.  

Documentation refers to the creation of written records and other materials, such as photographs or drawings, that provide comprehensive information about the objects in a museum’s collection. This documentation includes details about an object’s history, provenance, condition, and other relevant information.

In a museum context, examination and documentation serve several important purposes:

  • They ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the information presented to the public.
  • They provide a record of the collection that can be used for research and reference purposes.
  • They facilitate the care and preservation of the objects, including decisions about storage, handling, and exhibition.
  • They help protect the collection by documenting its condition and any conservation needs. 

Research & Scientific Examination of Art Objects

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Research and scientific examination of art objects involve a multidisciplinary approach to understanding various aspects of artworks, including their materials, techniques, historical context, and preservation needs. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Documentation and Historical Research: 

  • Dive deep into the provenance and historical context of each artwork, unraveling its unique narrative.
 
2. Visual Examination: 
  • Employ cutting-edge techniques to unveil hidden details and detect signs of aging or damage. 
 
3. Material Analysis:
  • Utilize advanced scientific methods to identify the materials used by the artist,
    shedding light on their creative process.
 
4. Authentication:
  • Apply rigorous methods to authenticate artworks, ensuring their provenance and integrity. 
 
5. Conservation Assessment:
  • Evaluate the condition of each piece and recommend conservation strategies to preserve its integrity for future generations. 
 
6. Digital Documentation:
  • Capture the essence of each artwork through high-resolution imagery and 3D scanning, ensuring its digital preservation.
 
7. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with experts from diverse fields to gain holistic insights into the art objects we examine. 
 
8. Interpretation and Publication:
  • Share our findings through comprehensive reports and publications, enriching the discourse surrounding each artwork.
 
9. Ethical Considerations: 
  • Uphold ethical standards in our examination process, respecting the cultural significance of every art object. 
 
10. Continued Monitoring:
  • Implement a proactive approach to monitor and maintain the condition of artworks over time, safeguarding their legacy. 
 
At SDCH, our dedication to research and scientific examination ensures that each art object is not merely an artifact but a window into history, culture, and creativity. Explore our catalogue to discover the stories waiting to be unveiled.

Conservation and Restoration of Artifacts

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SDCH is engaged in conservation and restoration of artifacts of following nature:

  • Painting: be on paper, textile, canvas, wall, wood/ panel etc.
  • Sculpture: Wood, Stone, bone & ivory , Metal etc.
  • Clay and ceramics
  • Misc 
 
                                                                                           “Conservation and restoration of artifacts: Protecting and preserving cultural heritage” 
 

The conservation and restoration of paintings, paper, and textiles in museums involve a range of techniques and approaches to preserve and repair these types of artifacts. Some common methods used in the conservation and restoration of paintings, paper, and textiles include: 

  • Cleaning: This process involves removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the artifact. It may be performed using various methods, such as gentle cleaning with a soft brush or eraser, or more advanced techniques like chemical cleaning or laser cleaning.
  • Stabilization: Stabilization techniques aim to reinforce or support the artifact to prevent further damage. This may involve measures such as re-lining or backing a painting, or humidification and Flattening of paper or textiles.
  • Repair: Repairing damage to the artifact, such as tears, holes, or losses, is an important aspect of conservation. Techniques such as mending, patching, or inpainting are employed to restore the artifact’s integrity.
  • Preservation: Preservation involves safeguarding the artifact from further damage by controlling its environment. This includes proper storage and handling practices, as well as maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels within the museum. 


These methods are employed by skilled conservators to ensure the longevity and integrity of the artworks, contributing to the protection and preservation of our cultural heritage. 

Conservation of sculptures made of wood, stone, icon, and metal involves a range of techniques and approaches to preserve and repair these types of artifacts. Some common methods used in the conservation of sculptures include:

  • Cleaning: This process involves removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the artifact. It may be done using a variety of methods, such as gentle cleaning with a soft brush or eraser, or more advanced techniques like chemical cleaning or laser cleaning. 
  • Stabilization: Stabilization techniques aim to reinforce or support the artifact to prevent further damage. This may include measures such as reinforcing a sculpture’s base or attaching supports to prevent movement or collapse. 
  •  Repair: Repairing damage to the artifact, such as cracks, chips, or losses, is an integral part of sculpture conservation. Techniques such as mending, patching, or inpainting are employed to restore the artifact’s structural integrity. 
  •  Preservation: Preservation involves protecting the artifact from further damage by controlling its environment. This includes proper storage and handling practices, as well as maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels in the museum.
 
Conservation of sculptures requires specialized knowledge, skills, and the use of specialized tools and materials. It is typically carried out by trained conservators who utilize a combination of scientific knowledge, artistic skills, and careful judgment to preserve and repair these types of artifacts.

 

Cleaning ceramics in the conservation process involves the removal of dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of the artifact. This is typically done to enhance the appearance of the ceramic and prevent further damage to its surface.

Several methods can be employed to clean ceramics, including:  

  • Gentle cleaning with a soft brush or eraser: This method effectively removes surface dirt and grime.
  • Chemical cleaning: Involves using a cleaning solution, such as a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar, to eliminate dirt and grime. It is important to exercise caution as some cleaning solutions can potentially harm ceramics.
  • Laser cleaning: This technique employs a laser to eliminate dirt and grime from the ceramic’s surface. It is a more expensive method generally reserved for delicate or valuable ceramics.
  • Mechanical cleaning: Involves using a machine, such as an ultrasonic cleaner, to eliminate dirt and grime from the ceramic’s surface. This method requires careful handling to avoid potential damage to the ceramic.
 
Cleaning ceramics in the conservation process necessitates specialized knowledge, skills, and the use of specialized tools and materials. Trained conservators employ a combination of scientific knowledge, artistic skills, and careful judgment to clean and preserve these types of artifacts. 
 
Conservation and restoration of sculptures require specialized knowledge, skills, and the use of specialized tools and materials. Trained conservators utilize a combination of scientific knowledge, artistic skills, and careful judgment to preserve and repair these types of artifacts.  
 
Conservation refers to the process of preventing or slowing down the deterioration of cultural heritage objects. This process encompasses various activities, such as stabilizing an object’s condition, controlling its environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, light levels), and cleaning or repairing damage. Conservation efforts primarily focus on preserving the object’s integrity and authenticity rather than restoring it to a previous state. 
 
Restoration, on the other hand, involves repairing and reconstructing an object to a more complete or original condition. This may include tasks like filling in missing pieces, repairing damage, and applying new finishes or coatings. The goal of restoration is typically to return the object as closely as possible to its original appearance. 
 
In a museum context, conservation and restoration are vital activities that aid in preserving cultural heritage and making it accessible to the public. These activities are guided by ethical principles that prioritize the preservation of an object’s integrity and authenticity. They are also conducted in a reversible and non-invasive manner to allow future generations to study and appreciate the object 

Structure Conservation

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Structure conservation in museums refers to the process of preserving and repairing the physical structure of a historically significant building or site that houses cultural heritage objects.

This can include activities such as stabilizing and reinforcing the structure, repairing or replacing damaged elements, and addressing environmental or other factors that may contribute to the building’s deterioration. 

                                                                                                                                                   “Structure conservation: Protecting the foundations of cultural heritage”

 Structure conservation in museums refers to the process of preserving and repairing the physical structure of a building or site that houses cultural heritage objects. This can include activities such as stabilizing and reinforcing the structure, repairing or replacing damaged elements, and addressing environmental or other factors that may contribute to the building’s deterioration.

The goal of structure conservation in museums is to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the building or site, while also ensuring that it is safe and functional for visitors and staff. This involves a range of activities, including:  

  • Stabilizing the structure by reinforcing or repairing damaged elements, such as walls, floors, roofs, or foundations.
  • Controlling the environment within the building, including temperature, humidity, and light levels, to prevent damage to the structure and its contents.
  • Controlling the environment within the building, including temperature, humidity, and light levels, to prevent damage to the structure and its contents.
  • Implementing safety measures to ensure that the building is safe for visitors and staff.
 
Structure conservation in museums requires the expertise of trained professionals, such as architects, engineers, and conservators, who are familiar with the materials, techniques, and best practices for preserving and repairing historic structures. These activities can be complex and costly, but they are essential for preserving the cultural heritage and historical significance of the building or site.