How to Choose Best Art Restorer?

A restorer typically doesn't have the same education, according to Goodman.

Even though they might not have earned a master's degree themselves, restorers can teach lessons in conservation master's programmers because they gain knowledge from their experience. According to Goodman, "truly, a conservator these days is someone who has typically had advanced training." She graduated from Northumbria University in Newcastle, England, with a Master's degree in conservation.

A conservator is not necessarily more qualified than a restorer just because of their level of schooling. But a conservator employs a different strategy that is learned in a university. The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works developed the conservation procedures taught in programmers, and they are intended to be dismantled in the event of subsequent repairs.
The main goal of restorers is to make the piece look as close as possible to how the original artist intended it to. On the other hand, conservators concentrate on stabilizing the object and preventing any further deterioration.

Conservators work on the assumption that repair technology will advance and that their repairs may eventually need to be updated and reversed. Since we anticipate technological change in the future, Goodman says, "we try to do things that are reversible."

To contrast the methods of conservators and restorers, Goodman provided the following example:

With Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste, Goodman fixes paper tears. Although this method is long-lasting, it can be removed with water. The tear might never be repaired again if an art restorer, on the other hand, uses a more durable method.

When we spoke with Minasyan, she mentioned that, especially after catastrophic damage, she prefers to have an original image of the work to use as a guide. With damage such as large holes or paint falling off the artwork, photographs provide helpful insight for restorers as they try to bring it back to its original state. As an Artwork Archive member, you can store photos that can be used as a references for a restorer making repairs.

Goodman concentrates on preserving paper. She declares vehemently, "Paper is everywhere." You also find incredibly interesting documents and ancient maps, so it's not only art. She does not intend to diversify her business into painting given her background in conventional advertising and professional printing.


Minassian concentrates on paintings as opposed to Goodman. She began painting for fun, concentrating on the aesthetic of the classic artists. She gained expertise in restoration throughout her apprenticeship with a concentration on this time period.

Goodman concentrates on preserving paper. She declares vehemently, "Paper is everywhere." You also find incredibly interesting documents and ancient maps, so it's not only art. She does not intend to diversify her business into painting given her background in conventional advertising and professional printing.


Minassian concentrates on paintings as opposed to Goodman. She began painting for fun, concentrating on the aesthetic of the classic artists. She gained expertise in restoration throughout her apprenticeship with a concentration on this time period.


For instance, Minassian stated that because the canvases from the 1800s and earlier were hand stretched, she preferred to paint with them. Minasyan is an expert in the subject of repairing hand-stretched canvases since they are considerably simpler to fix. When a client brings in a project on a canvas that has been mechanically stretched,

Every professional should have a portfolio of before-and-after photos. Hire a conservator or restorer based on their portfolio and experience. You can also ask to see examples of projects that mirror, or have strong similarities, to your project. With an expertise in paintings, Minasyan might refer a project on paper to Goodman, for example.

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works has a guide to finding a conservator to work with. You can search by state, by specialty, or through their advanced search which includes options like specific materials that need to be used.

Terminology in the art world is constantly changing. Definitions vary by day. The distinction between a restorer and a conservator is unique because it comes down to an academic degree, which is something concrete.

However, a degree does not automatically make one person more qualified than the next.

The most important qualifier is a portfolio of experience that exemplifies their skills and proves that they have the experience to complete your unique repair.

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