Conservation Skills for the 21st Century: Judgement, Method, and Decision-Making

Conservation Skills for the 21st Century provides a much-needed update to the original Conservation Skills volume, presenting an overview of current issues facing conservators of historic and artistic works.

Beginning with the basics - why the past is important, as well as an overview of the nature and history of conservation - the book allows the reader to develop a holistic appreciation of the subject. As with the first edition, this volume assists with the development of judgement in conservation students and young professionals. A selection of new case studies representing issues conservators are likely to face in the 21st century illustrates the crucial considerations that must be made when proposing and executing a conservation treatment. Incorporating recent developments and use of new technologies in conservation processes, the book also covers topics such as conservation ethics
recording and documentation
investigating and cleaning objects
stabilisation and restoration
values, decision-making, and responsibilities
preventive conservation
approaches to the treatment of working and socially active objects
sustainability in conservation
and the conservator's role as advocate.

With detailed case studies and written in a clear, accessible style, Conservation Skills for the 21st Century remains essential reading for student conservators and conservation professionals around the globe working across a wide range of conservation disciplines.