Conserving paintings

the long version

Conserving Paintings is not a book on how to paint. Nor is it a book that chastises contemporary artists for using non-traditional materials and techniques. Instead, Conserving Paintings presents artists with basic technical and conservation information in order that they can prepare their works of art with a high chance of surviving unchanged for future audiences. All too often it is the lack of basic structural information at the construction phase that results in artists producing works of art which incorporate features destined to cause early deterioration. Conserving Paintings also addresses the need for post-production care of works of art. The general acceptance of unnecessary damage to recently completed works of art is unfortunately widespread, with many artists accepting damage to their works as standard procedure. This should not be the case - a damaged work of art should be an exception rather than the norm. Though Conserving Paintings is intended primarily for artists, the information presented in this book is also valuable for those responsible for the care of paintings in public collections, for corporate or private collectors and for individuals who own works of art.