Conservation Examination and Treatment

A conservation examination report provides an evaluation of the condition of an object and serves as the baseline for the treatment proposal. Conservation treatments may include the repair, stabilization, annual maintenance, cleaning, visual integration of damaged areas, and/or fabrication of missing components. Since the overall goal of conservation is the preservation of an object, a treatment proposal may also include recommendations for storage, handling, transportation, and display of the object. All examinations and treatments are made in consultation with the owner.

Direct examination is necessary in order to provide an accurate assessment of the condition of an object and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Preliminary treatment proposals and cost estimates can be provided on the basis of photographs, however, adjustments to the proposal and estimate may be necessary upon completion of the direct examination.

All work is done in compliance with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Work's Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice. This includes the use of archival, reversible materials and written plus photographic documentation. For more information see the AIC web site regarding guidelines for practice here.

Consultation and Assistance

Consultations regarding the overall preservation of art collections may include recommendations for the storage, display, transportation, and handling of art collections. Additionally, Ms Mack is available to provide surveys (for both specific objects and general art environments), presentations on art conservation related topics, and direct assistance to artists and museums with the installation of art objects and outdoor sculpture.

Conservation Studio

The Art Conservation studio is newly constructed and designed expressly for the use of conservation treatment. It meets fire, safety, and security requirements necessary for the temporary housing and treatment of art. Most work is performed in the studio, however, the treatment of outdoor sculpture, monumental sized objects, or site specific objects can be arranged.

Contact Information:
P.O. BOX 155
RED HOOK, NY 12571
STUDIO (845) 758-4054
e-mail: amack@abigailmack.com

Ms Mack applies wax to an outdoor bronze sculpture in order to preserve the artist applied surface patina.

A missing thumb was fabricated out of a specially made wax/resin material and attached using an archival adhesive.

Assisting artist Mimi Czajka Graminski with the installation of her work "Heart and Lungs" in June 2007.

Inserting adhesive film into a damaged area on this fragile leather moccasin. The adhesive will be activated with heat from a micro-heat spatula to allow for a very controllable and gentle repair.

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