Examination, Condition Reports and Condition Surveys

We are experts at the examination of art, objects and archival material for condition and the impact of condition on stability, appearance and preservation. We can recommend and rate urgency for ameliorative conservation actions and estimate costs for preventive improvements and conservation treatment.

We have equipment for both in-lab and out of lab examination such as an operating microscope, a microscope with IR and UV imaging, infra red and short and long wave ultraviolet radiation, and a variety of lighting for condition inspections and for detecting condition and surface restorations.

Our conservators have surveyed several large collections of art, objects and archival material for condition and conservation needs, including the entire permanent collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery 2D and 3D works.  We have assessed the condition and conservation needs for collections in institutions such as the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Saskatchewan Archives Board, the Burnaby Art Gallery, the Archives of the Royal BC Museum, and the Yukon Archives.

We regularly complete condition reports for cultural and art objects for public museums for purposes of loan and permanent collection data.  These reports are accompanied by images and drawings.  We also assist auction houses, sellers and buyers in condition reports for the purchase or sale of art, objects and archival material.

For museums and collectors, we assess preventive conservation needs in storage, handling, packing, transit and exhibit.  We can assess risk factors for an object for potential damage or deterioration due to a variety of factors such as humidity, light, pests, handling, and adjacent materials, and advise on the lowering of these risks.