The care and preservation of the Reynolda House collections is one of the cardinal responsibilities of the Museum and is an integral part of our mission.  The practice of conservation has evolved over the centuries, and as conservators have come to understand the chemical processes underlying their treatments, they have become more conservative in their approach, namely, that every treatment should be reversible.  The emphasis in conservation today is on the idea of prevention of deterioration through control of the environment, in climate, storage and exhibition – this approach is called Preventative Conservation.  Although the Museum lacks a conservation department, our Collections Management Department is responsible for the overall care of the collection and we practice a preventative conservation program in accordance with standards of the field.  Period surveys by well-qualified conservators help us assess the condition of works and prioritize a schedule of treatment.  Donations and our Membership Program allow us to properly care for the collections for future generations.

Images of the conservation treatment of Spring Turning, in conservator Ruth Cox's studio.