Conservation • Restoration • Consultation
Our process for conservation treatments
Note: We cannot give estimates for conservation treatment without an in-person examination. Damage and deterioration are often difficult to see in photographs; being able to examine using a variety of tools and methods is integral to the process of understanding what treatment is necessary and the time that it will take.
Please contact us about your project.
For conservation treatment inquiries, it is helpful to include a description, dimensions, and photos in your communication with us, including photos of any of the areas of damage or deterioration, if possible.
In general, we ask clients to make an appointment to bring their pieces to our South Minneapolis studio so that we can discuss with you your treatment goals. There we can fully examine and document the condition of the piece and perform necessary testing to determine appropriate treatment methods and materials. We can often give some idea of cost at this initial appointment.
Sometimes transporting the piece isn't possible or practical, and we can arrange an on-site visit in those instances (an on-site visit fee may apply).
We submit a treatment proposal and estimate to you, usually within 1-2 weeks of delivery. The cost estimate is presented as a range based on the hourly estimate of time needed.
We begin treatment after you’ve approved the proposal in writing and submitted a deposit (generally half of the low end of the cost estimate). We try to stay closer to the low end, and don’t go above the high end even if we spend time beyond what we initially estimated.
Remaining payment is due upon completion of the treatment. We accept personal checks, credit cards, ACH transfer (electronic checks), or Venmo.
We recognize that seeking professional art conservation is often a luxury many people cannot afford. We endeavor to make conservation accessible to all, especially those from marginalized communities seeking to preserve their cultural heritage. Please contact us to discuss sliding scale or negotiated flat rate services.