Konservatoren

Konservatoren are professionals dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and preventive care of cultural heritage objects. Their work spans a wide range of materials and formats, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, manuscripts, books, photographs, archaeological artefacts, and built heritage. They are employed in museums, archives, libraries, universities, conservation laboratories, and government heritage agencies, as well as on-site in historic buildings and archaeological sites.

The core responsibilities of conservators include assessing the condition of objects, planning and executing treatment interventions, and implementing preventive conservation measures. They use scientific analysis to understand material composition and deterioration processes, select appropriate, often reversible methods, and document every step of the conservation process. Documentation, including condition reports, treatment records, and preventive care plans, is essential for accountability and future research. Conservators frequently collaborate with curators, historians, scientists, and educators to balance physical preservation with interpretation and accessibility.

Specializations cover areas such as paintings, works on paper, textiles, photographic materials, organic materials, metals, ceramics, and the conservation of archives and libraries. Some conservators focus on preventive measures—environmental monitoring, storage, and handling—while others undertake active restoration or stabilization work. In addition, built heritage conservation involves preserving architectural elements and monuments.

Education typically requires university-level training in conservation or restoration, often culminating in a master’s degree, with substantial practical internships and ongoing professional development. Professional practice is guided by ethical standards emphasizing minimal intervention, reversibility, and thorough documentation. National and international bodies, such as ICOM-CC and related national associations, provide guidelines and accreditation to support professional conduct and standards in the field.