Conservation & Restoration
Our trained conservators provide conservation and restoration services. With backgrounds in the museum, art restoration and archaeological sectors, our team are experienced working with a wide range of materials and object types. This includes historic objects, archaeological material, ethnography, weapons, furniture, sculpture and stonework.
We work closely with clients to devise a treatment plan that is achievable, meets their expectations, whilst adhering to ethical guidelines.
We can also prepare conservation reports and condition assessments, as well as carrying out material analysis and historical research.
Metals
We specialise in metal conservation and restoration. This can include anything from archaeological ancient silver, historical bronzes and modern metals.
Treatments include mechanically removing corrosion product under microscopic magnification, solvent cleaning, chemical treatments to stabilise corrosion, polishing and the application of lacquers and waxes to protect the object surface.
Repairs can also be carried out on objects of any age and condition, such as reshaping and reproduction of damaged areas or missing parts. These repairs can be rendered visually unobtrusive by the application of pigmentation and paints.
Conservation Standards
We believe that historical objects are a vital, shared cultural heritage and recognise the important role we have to play in ensuring their long-term preservation. We are therefore committed to upholding the highest standards and ethics in our conservation practice. These values are reflected by our membership in the Institute of Conservation (ICON)
Our conservators undertake regular professional development and remain informed of developments in conservation techniques, materials and methods of scientific analysis.
Preventive Conservation
LightlyWest also offer preventive conservation services, such as environmental monitoring, recommendations on appropriate display and storage conditions and advising on preventive measures from risks such as humidity, light exposure and pests.
We can provide assistance packing for storage and decant programmes. This may include fabricating custom packing solutions, identifying hazardous materials in the collection, or providing staff training in carrying out condition assessments, object packing and collections care.