Our Services
The Past We Inherit the Future We Build
Preserving Our Past to Enlighten Our Future.
Our Approach to Conservation
At A M Conservation Ltd, we provide specialist conservation and restoration services for paintings, historic furniture, decorative arts, sculpture and cultural heritage collections dating principally from the 17th to the 20th century.
Our approach is holistic, combining traditional craftsmanship, established conservation techniques and contemporary conservation methodology. We place particular emphasis on preventive conservation, sustainability and the long-term preservation of historic materials.
Each object is considered individually, taking into account its historical and artistic significance, original materials, construction, condition and previous interventions. Treatments are informed by careful examination, appropriate investigation and an understanding of the object's intended use and environment.
We are committed to conservation practices that respect the authenticity and integrity of each object, employing minimal intervention where appropriate and selecting materials and techniques with consideration for their compatibility, stability and potential for future retreatment.
Our services are undertaken both at our conservation studio in Durham and on-site throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Paintings Conservation
We specialise in the examination, conservation and restoration of easel paintings, portraits, religious paintings and altarpieces dating from the 17th to the 20th century.
Our expertise encompasses paintings executed in oil and tempera on a variety of supports, including canvas, wooden panels and other rigid substrates.
Treatments are developed following a thorough assessment of the painting's condition, materials and structural stability, with particular consideration given to the preservation of original paint surfaces and historic evidence.
Specialist treatments include:
Surface cleaning and the reduction of accumulated dirt and particulate deposits.
Assessment and removal or reduction of discoloured and degraded varnishes.
Consolidation and stabilisation of flaking, lifting or vulnerable paint layers.
Structural conservation of canvas and wooden panel supports.
Repair of tears, punctures and other forms of canvas damage.
Localised canvas reinforcement and support treatments.
Treatment of distortions, deformations and structural weaknesses.
Filling and levelling of areas of paint loss.
Chromatic reintegration and conservation retouching.
Application of appropriate protective varnish coatings.
Examination and assessment of previous restoration interventions.
Our objective is to improve the structural stability, legibility and aesthetic coherence of a painting while retaining its historical character and original materials.
Gilded Frames Conservation
Historic picture frames are important decorative and architectural objects in their own right, often contributing significantly to the interpretation and presentation of the artworks they surround.
We undertake the conservation and restoration of gilded, carved and composition frames, employing traditional materials and craftsmanship alongside conservation principles.
Specialist treatments include:
Examination and condition assessment of historic frames.
Surface cleaning and removal of accumulated deposits.
Stabilisation and consolidation of fragile gilding and decorative surfaces.
Structural repairs to timber frames and joints.
Conservation and replacement of missing carved ornament where appropriate.
Repair and reconstruction of composition and plaster ornament.
Preparation of traditional gesso and bole surfaces.
Water gilding and oil gilding using traditional techniques.
Localised gilding repairs and sympathetic tonal integration.
Conservation of historic surface finishes and patination.
Assessment and improvement of frame fittings and artwork support.
Where possible, original gilding and historic finishes are retained, with new work carefully integrated to respect the age and character of the frame.
Historic Furniture, Decorative Arts
A M Conservation Ltd provides specialist conservation and restoration of historic furniture, decorative woodwork and wooden objects dating from the 17th to the 20th century.
Our work encompasses both structural and decorative treatments, with particular expertise in traditional cabinetmaking techniques, historic surface finishes and the conservation of intricate decorative elements.
We undertake the examination and treatment of furniture exhibiting deterioration arising from age, environmental fluctuations, mechanical damage, previous repairs and historic use.
Specialist treatments include:
Structural stabilisation and repair of historic furniture.
Conservation of joints, frames and timber components.
Repair of splits, fractures, distortions and weakened structures.
Conservation and replacement of missing or damaged veneers.
Marquetry and decorative inlay conservation.
Repair and reconstruction of carved and turned elements.
Conservation of decorative timber surfaces.
Cleaning and stabilisation of historic finishes.
French polishing and traditional surface finishing where appropriate.
Conservation of lacquered, japanned and painted furniture.
Assessment and treatment of previous repairs and inappropriate interventions.
Careful dismantling and reassembly of complex furniture structures when necessary.
Particular emphasis is placed on retaining original materials, evidence of historic construction and surviving surface finishes.
Our experience also extends to the careful dismantling, handling, packing and temporary storage of significant historic furniture during building conservation and refurbishment projects.
Polychrome Sculpture, Icons & Decorative Objects
We undertake the conservation and restoration of historic wooden sculpture, polychrome objects and religious icons, particularly those dating from the 17th to the 19th century.
These objects frequently incorporate complex combinations of wood, paint, gilding, decorative glazes and metal elements, requiring an understanding of both their structural construction and decorative techniques.
Our work includes the conservation of carved and painted sculpture, gilded religious objects and icons incorporating metal revetments, including traditional riza or oklad coverings.
Specialist treatments include:
Examination and documentation of materials and construction.
Consolidation of vulnerable paint and gilding.
Surface cleaning and reduction of degraded coatings.
Structural stabilisation of wooden supports.
Repair of fractures and weakened carved elements.
Conservation of decorative glazes and painted finishes.
Localised filling and visual reintegration.
Conservation of associated metal decorative components.
Assessment of environmental and display requirements.
Treatments are undertaken with sensitivity to the cultural, historical and, where relevant, religious significance of each object.
Bronze & Marble Sculpture
Our conservation services also encompass the examination, cleaning and restoration of bronze and marble sculpture and decorative architectural objects.
Treatments are informed by an assessment of the material, surface condition, historic patination and environmental factors contributing to deterioration.
Services include:
Condition assessments and photographic documentation.
Examination of surface deposits, staining and deterioration.
Controlled surface cleaning.
Assessment of corrosion products and historic patination on bronze.
Cleaning and conservation of marble surfaces.
Assessment of previous repairs and restoration materials.
Recommendations for preventive care, handling and display.
The preservation of original surfaces, historic finishes and material integrity remains central to our approach.
On-Site Conservation & Heritage Projects
In addition to our studio-based services, A M Conservation Ltd has extensive experience undertaking conservation projects within historic houses, heritage buildings, institutional collections and other culturally significant environments.
We work collaboratively with architects, building conservation professionals, collection managers, curators and specialist contractors to develop appropriate conservation strategies.
Our involvement may begin during the early planning stages of a project and continue through the preparation, implementation and completion of building works.
Our on-site services include:
Conservation surveys and condition assessments.
Development of conservation strategies and treatment programmes.
Planning and coordination of collections protection during building works.
Specialist dismantling and reassembly of historic furniture and decorative objects.
Safe handling, packing, movement and temporary storage of collections.
Removal and protection of vulnerable artworks and historic textiles.
Conservation treatment of objects that cannot safely be transported.
Environmental assessment and monitoring.
Integrated pest management and monitoring.
Advice on suitable storage materials and conditions.
Liaison with architects, project managers and heritage professionals.
Preparation of conservation reports and ongoing recommendations.
We recognise that large-scale heritage projects require careful coordination, practical problem-solving and an understanding of the relationship between historic collections and their architectural surroundings.
Our approach prioritises the protection of cultural heritage throughout each stage of a project.
Emergency Conservation & Disaster Response
Unexpected events such as flooding, fire, water ingress, accidental damage and environmental incidents can place artworks and heritage collections at immediate risk.
A M Conservation Ltd provides specialist assessment, conservation advice and practical assistance following incidents affecting paintings, furniture, decorative objects and historic collections.
Early assessment and appropriate stabilisation can significantly reduce the risk of further deterioration and help establish priorities for recovery.
Our services include:
On-site assessment of damaged artworks and collections.
Emergency triage and identification of conservation priorities.
Documentation of damage and condition.
Recommendations for immediate stabilisation and safe handling.
Advice on temporary protection, packing and storage.
Liaison with insurers, loss adjusters and other appointed professionals.
Preparation of conservation treatment proposals and cost estimates.
Coordination of specialist transport to the conservation studio.
Conservation and restoration of affected objects.
Recommendations for ongoing monitoring and preventive care.
Where necessary, we work alongside other conservation specialists to ensure that objects receive the appropriate expertise and treatment.
Preventive Conservation & Collection Care
Preventive conservation is a fundamental part of our practice and plays an essential role in reducing deterioration and extending the life of historic objects and collections.
Rather than addressing damage only after it has occurred, preventive conservation seeks to identify and manage the environmental, physical and biological factors that contribute to deterioration.
We provide practical, proportionate advice tailored to the requirements of individual artworks, private collections, historic houses and heritage organisations.
Services include:
Collection condition surveys and conservation assessments.
Identification of environmental risks.
Monitoring of temperature and relative humidity.
Assessment of light exposure and ultraviolet radiation.
Integrated pest management and insect monitoring.
Identification of risks associated with handling, display and storage.
Advice on conservation-grade storage and packing materials.
Recommendations for safe movement and transport.
Development of collection care and maintenance programmes.
Conservation planning during building repairs and refurbishment.
Prioritisation of conservation needs and long-term treatment programmes.
Our recommendations balance the preservation requirements of historic objects with the practical needs of the buildings and collections in which they are housed.
Examination, Technical Investigation & Documentation
A thorough understanding of an object's materials, construction and condition is essential to responsible conservation practice.
Technical examination can provide valuable information about original artistic techniques, previous restoration interventions, deterioration processes and the relationship between different material layers.
We employ a range of examination and documentation methods to inform conservation decisions and establish an accurate record of an object's condition before, during and after treatment.
Technical Examination
Depending on the nature and requirements of the object, examination techniques may include:
Visual and microscopic examination of surfaces and materials.
Examination of paint stratigraphy and cross-sections.
Preliminary investigation of pigments and binding media.
Assessment of original materials and previous restoration campaigns.
Examination of structural construction and historic repairs.
Evaluation of deterioration and material instability.
Where more advanced scientific analysis is required, specialist analytical facilities may be consulted.
Technical Photography
Technical photography provides an important non-invasive means of examining artworks and recording features that may not be readily apparent under normal viewing conditions.
Our examination and documentation techniques include:
Visible-light photography.
Raking-light photography to reveal surface texture and deformation.
Ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence photography to assist in examining coatings and previous interventions.
Digital infrared imaging, where appropriate, to investigate selected features beneath or within painted surfaces.
Detailed photographic documentation of condition and treatment.
These techniques are selected according to the nature of the object and the questions being investigated.
Conservation Documentation
Professional documentation is an integral part of every conservation project.
We prepare written and photographic records to communicate the condition of objects, explain proposed interventions and provide a permanent account of treatments undertaken.
Documentation services include:
Detailed condition assessments.
Conservation surveys and collection reports.
Treatment proposals and recommendations.
Conservation estimates and project specifications.
Photographic condition records.
Documentation of treatment methods and materials.
Interim and final conservation reports.
Recommendations for future care, display and storage.
Clear and comprehensive documentation supports informed decision-making and provides an important resource for future conservators, collection managers and owners.
Community Engagement & Cultural Heritage Awareness
We believe that conservation has an important role beyond the physical treatment of objects. It contributes to a wider understanding of cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving historic collections for future generations.
A M Conservation Ltd is committed to promoting awareness of conservation and encouraging informed approaches to the care of artworks and historic objects.
Our professional engagement includes sharing specialist knowledge, supporting educational opportunities and contributing to conversations surrounding heritage preservation.
Areas of interest include:
Raising public awareness of conservation and cultural heritage.
Promoting the value of preventive conservation.
Sharing knowledge of traditional materials and craftsmanship.
Supporting educational initiatives and professional development.
Encouraging responsible stewardship of historic collections.
Collaboration with heritage professionals, institutions and community organisations.
Through our work, we aim to contribute to the continued understanding, appreciation and preservation of our shared cultural heritage.
Discuss a Conservation Project
Whether you require conservation treatment for an individual painting, specialist restoration of historic furniture or professional advice on the care of a significant collection, A M Conservation Ltd can provide an informed and considered approach.
We welcome enquiries from private collectors, historic houses, museums, heritage organisations, institutions and professionals involved in the care and preservation of cultural heritage.
Contact A M Conservation Ltd to discuss your conservation requirements or arrange an initial assessment.
