Our Process

1. Consultation

During the initial consultation a conservator will discuss your item’s general condition, materials, and potential conservation treatment options. Each artwork must be closely examined in the studio or on-site with the clients present. If that is not possible a detailed description of the damage, including photographs, can be emailed or uploaded for review, but we cannot give a thorough assessment from pictures alone. Shipping artworks directly to the studio is also possible. Please let us know in advance that you will be shipping your items to us. We are happy to provide our clients with packing and shipping guidelines.

Initial in-studio consultations are always free.

2. Examination

If the client would like to proceed, a written condition report will be prepared. This examination will include research and extensive material testing to establish the overall condition, materials and methods of manufacture, historic use, and the overall deterioration of the artwork. Comprehensive examinations are a vital component of the treatment process because they allow our conservators to tailor each individual treatment plan; ensuring the best possible outcome for every object we treat.

3. Proposal

When the examination is complete a treatment proposal will be presented to the client for approval. The proposal will include the condition report, a reference photograph of the artwork before treatment, the recommended treatment plan (including all optional treatments), time line, and a cost estimate.

4. Treatment

A signed copy of the treatment proposal, accompanied by an initial payment of half the cost of treatment, must be returned to GBAC before any work can begin. The amount of time it takes to complete a treatment will vary depending on its complexity. On average, most conservation treatments will take between one and three months to complete. Specific time lines and completion dates can be accommodated with advanced notice. Expedited treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the conservator’s schedule and the types of treatment involved. A written conservation treatment report will be provided to the client once the job is complete. The report will include the condition assessment, treatment proposal, a before and after treatment image of the artwork, a detailed description of the conservation steps preformed, and, if requested, recommendations for handling, storage, and/or display. Additional photographs of the object(s) before and after treatment can be provided to the client as high-resolution images on a thumb-drive or as archival prints for an additional fee.

Pricing

1. Consultation

In-Studio: 30 minute consultations are provided free of charge.

On-site: Consultation fees are based on our hourly or daily rate plus the cost of travel.

2. Examination & Treatment Proposals

There is a $225 examination fee for each treatment proposal. Examinations and estimates for large collections will be based on our hourly/daily consultation rate.

3. Payment for Conservation Work

Initial Payment: Before any work can begin on your project half of the cost of treatment must be received by GBAC with the signed treatment proposal.

Final Payment: Clients will be notified once treatment is complete and invoiced for the remaining balance of the treatment costs, including any selected optional work and special-order materials. Final payment must be received by GBAC prior to or on the day of pick up or before the artwork is shipped.

Expedited Treatments: Expedited treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the conservator’s schedule and types of treatment required. A 25% rush fee will be added to the total cost of treatment for this service.

What Our Clients Say