Conservation Services

The Conservation Center is a full-service facility where dozens of trained experts from around the world collaborate across a wide range of conservation disciplines—uniquely positioned to care for collections of all sizes and mediums.

 
 
 

Antique & Fine Furniture

Our conservators combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to preserve the historical integrity and functionality of period and contemporary furniture. Each treatment is customized to maintain structural stability, authenticity, and aesthetic appeal.

An antique Asian lapidary screen undergoing conservation treatment in the Antique & Fine Furniture department.
 

Antique Frames & Gilding

Specializing in the conservation of frames and gilded objects, this department focuses on stabilizing and preserving original structure, replacing lost ornament, filling losses, and meticulously applying gold leaf or appropriate finish to maintain historical integrity and aesthetic continuity.

Traditional gilding tools – including an extremely thin sheet of 24k gold leaf – are laid out on a workstation in our laboratory.
 

Objects, Antiques, & Sculpture

With expertise in diverse materials and techniques, this department specializes in conservation of three-dimensional antiques, heirlooms, artifacts, decorative, and fine art objects while preserving their cultural and historical integrity.

Our conservator carefully touches up an area of damage on a white Sol LeWitt sculpture.
 

Paintings

Our expert conservators use minimally invasive treatments to preserve paintings, carefully addressing both surface and structure to maintain the artist’s intent and ensure long-term stability.

This early Roy Lichtenstein painting is undergoing surface cleaning with a cotton swab to remove grime and accretions that have built up on the piece over time.
 

Photographs

The Photography Department specializes in preserving and conserving photographic works across a wide range of formats, from historic cased photographs to contemporary prints.

This photograph of two dogs by the artist William Wegman has a large tear in the center, which was later treated by our expert conservators.
 

Rare Books

This department specializes in the preservation and restoration of bound materials—from early books and manuscripts to scrapbooks and photo albums—focusing on careful stabilization and repair to extend their lifespan and safeguard their historical, cultural, and sentimental value.

A conservator wearing a blue protective glove carefully opens an antique family Bible to the presentation page following conservation treatment.
 

Textiles

Our conservators specialize in preserving a wide range of fabric-based items—from tapestries and costumes to quilts and flags—using delicate stabilization and cleaning techniques to enhance their durability and ensure proper display.

This Mimosa rug designed by Matisse was treated by our textile conservators.
 

Works on Paper

This department treats a wide range of works—from historical documents and prints to watercolors—using tailored methods based on each piece’s unique characteristics.

Our conservator uses thin pieces of Japanese tissue to safely add hinges to this work on paper for proper display.

CONTACT US
312.944.5401