Service · 01 / 07
Condition Assessment
Every treatment begins with looking, not intervening. A structured, evidence-based examination reveals what the eye alone cannot, and shapes every decision that follows.
Our approach
Examination starts non-invasively: raking light exposes surface texture and old repairs, ultraviolet fluorescence reveals varnish layers and retouching invisible in daylight, and infrared reflectography can uncover underdrawing and changes beneath the visible surface.
Where imaging alone can't answer a question, targeted analysis follows — X-ray fluorescence or radiography to read structure and pigments, cross-section microscopy or FTIR to identify materials precisely. Nothing is used that the object doesn't actually call for.
Every finding is checked against the work itself: structural stability — canvas tension, panel stability, warping or deformation — paint-layer adhesion and craquelure, varnish yellowing and bloom, the extent of any earlier restoration, and damage from light, damp, mould, or handling. Each is photographed under its own lighting condition and set down in a written summary before a single treatment is proposed.
What's included
- Raking light & UV fluorescence
- Infrared reflectography
- XRF & radiography (where needed)
- Cross-section microscopy / FTIR
- Structural & surface condition mapping
- Prior-restoration & damage assessment
- Multi-light photographic record
- Written condition summary
Ideal for
- Works of uncertain condition
- Pre-purchase due diligence
- Insurance & appraisal
- First-time enquiries
Other disciplines
Paintings Conservation
Examination, cleaning, and restoration of paintings — from Indian modern masters to contemporary works in oil, acrylic, and mixed media.
- Surface cleaning
- Consolidation
- Inpainting
Paper Conservation
Specialist conservation of prints, drawings, manuscripts, watercolours, pastels, and archival material — foxing, acidity, tears, and discolouration.
- Foxing & stain reduction
- De-acidification
- Tear & loss repair
Textile Conservation
Cleaning, stabilisation, and support repair for textiles and embroidered or woven works — from fragile antique weaves to family heirlooms.
- Surface & wet cleaning
- Support stitching
- Mount & display prep
Sculpture Conservation
Structural consolidation, cleaning, and repair for stone, bronze, ceramics, wood, ivory, and mixed-media objects — treated according to how each material actually behaves.
- Structural consolidation
- Surface cleaning
- Loss repair
Preventive Conservation
Protecting collections before damage occurs — climate and light guidance, storage and handling audits, condition surveys, and emergency response.
- Condition surveys
- Climate & light guidance
- Emergency response
Documentation & Reports
Full photographic and written records of every treatment — condition reports, material analysis, and a complete conservation dossier, prepared to museum and insurance standards.
- Condition reports
- Photographic documentation
- Treatment dossiers
Begin
Let's discuss your work.
Share a few photographs and a conservator will respond personally within two business days — complimentary, confidential, and without obligation.