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What does a conservator do?

Objects found during archaeological excavations are often very fragile and deteriorated. They may have been buried underground for thousands of years, and when exposed to air and light, the deterioration can worsen. The same applies, for example, to a wooden sculpture that has stood in the basement beneath an old church. To preserve and prevent further damage to such objects, they are conserved.

An object that is to be conserved is first examined very carefully. The conservator needs to know exactly what kinds of damage the object has and what has caused them. This may include fragility, cracks, or discolouration that have developed as a result of how the object has been stored or handled. After the examination, the conservator determines which measures are needed to preserve the object. Cleaning is usually the first step, sometimes carried out under a microscope. It may also be necessary to reattach loose parts, secure flaking paint, or make various reinforcements.

Person at microscope
Conservator at work. Photo: Katarina Nimmervoll, The Swedish History Museum/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Delicate hands

All conservation work is carried out with great care, and the aim is to make as few interventions as possible. The conservator also decides how the object should be stored to ensure its long-term preservation – an object intended for display in a museum may, for example, require a special case with the right temperature and light levels.

As different materials deteriorate in different ways, conservators often specialise in a particular material, such as wood, textiles, or metal. The profession requires knowledge of chemistry and technology, as well as of art and craft history and archaeology. The word conservation comes from the Latin conservare, meaning to preserve.

Summary

A conservator examines, cleans, and preserves objects to prevent further damage and maintain their condition. The conservator also determines how the object should best be stored, for example with the right temperature and lighting. Since different materials deteriorate in different ways, conservators often specialize in a specific material, such as wood, textiles, or metal. The profession combines knowledge of chemistry, technology, art and craft history, and archaeology.

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Published2025.11.10

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