Conservation and Restoration Treatments

The Institute is a leader in conservation treatment, research, and development, and offers a wide range of services. Included in these services, through the collaboration of specialized conservators and conservation scientists, is a unique, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary approach to the conservation treatment and restoration of cultural objects.

Treatment

Treatment expertise encompasses both traditional experience and knowledge of the latest procedures and materials that is verified through research, testing, and analysis. CCI offers the following advantages:

• work done in well-equipped laboratories with full environmental control and security
• a multidisciplinary team approach in the treatment of complex objects
• full analytical and research support
• a range of technical documentation services
• extensive post-treatment care programs

Advisory and On-site Consulting

More than 25 years of experience treating in excess of 13 000 objects has given CCI a broad understanding of the complex issues surrounding conservation, and the ability to help others in dealing with treatment challenges. Some of the ways CCI can be of assistance include:

• evaluations of the condition of objects and recommendations on their treatment, storage, and display
• conservation guidelines for treatment and evaluation of proposals and tenders to ensure conservation standards are met
• collection surveys to determine condition of objects including preventive conservation strategies and treatment priorities
• project management services for large or complex treatments
• consultations for ongoing treatment projects
• development of post-treatment care programs and strategies
• emergency response to disasters such as floods, fire, or vandalism
• advice on stable materials and fabrication for the commissioning, installation, and care of art in public places
• assistance and on-site treatment services on archaeological sites

Training

The unique collaboration of conservators and scientists ensures that CCI is abreast of the most recent developments in conservation. Working together, customized training programs that meet your specific needs can be developed: specialized conservation training for conservators, at CCI or on-site; seminars, workshops, and lectures ranging from basic to advanced, covering a wide range of topics relating to the care, preservation, and treatment of collections; training on the use of specialized treatment equipment and procedures; specialized treatment internships at CCI .

See Learning Opportunities for more details on training activities.

Areas of treatment expertise include:

• textiles such as painted flags, banners, historic costumes and accessories, wall hangings, archaeological and ethnographic textiles
• paintings on canvas, wood, and other supports
• sculptures
• architectural interiors, including decorative elements, finishes, fixtures, and hardware
• furniture and decorative objects
• fine art on paper such as watercolours and prints
• books and archival materials
• historic, scientific, and ethnographic objects made from a wide range of materials
• musical instruments
• industrial artifacts used in transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and the military
• archaeological materials

Application Procedures

Canadian clients must fill out a "Treatment Service Request" form and forward it to CCI. Click here to download the form and instructions in pdf format. All other clients should contact Client Services.