The Metal Conservation Report

The conservation report will include our assessment of the ornamental metal, architectural detail or sculptures condition, what material was used, the causes of deterioration, proposed treatments, recommendations for future care and an estimate to restore or replace the element.

In order to write the proposal, we generally will need to see the building and any plans for its use. We will also discuss the specific problem you may want addressed, the extent of the restoration you want done and the anticipated future use of the building or the art work. The initial phone or email consultation is free and confidential.

If further work is required, a Historic Metals Conservation Report may be appropriate. The report is generally illustrated. Images include context views of the building and metalwork in question and record the current state of the metal work. Images include good quality photographs preserved digitally and also as printed archival images.

Information Included in the Historic Metal Conservation Report

A typical report covers the following:

1. SUMMARY
2. BRIEF
   The scope and intention of the report
3. DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE BUILDING
   Brief description of the historic building, including architect, date(s) of construction and materials used, ornamental metals, etc.
4. DESCRIPTION, HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE METAL WORK
   General description includes original materials, details of materials of construction, surface treatments, attachment, inscriptions, etc. Assessment of the significance associated with the object, such as historical, art historical, social, etc. Significance may be local, regional, national and international.
5. CONDITION ASSESSMENT
   An adequate condition survey of the ornamental metals, with descriptions of the different types of deterioration, and with an assessment of the risk of the loss. Patinas, finishes and attachment are discussed.
6. CAUSES OF METAL DETERIORATION AND THEIR TREATMENT
   The causes of deterioration.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC METALS
   Recommendations are prioritized and priced. Details concerning the materials and methods proposed are presented, the reason they are proposed and the personnel who will be carrying out the work.
8. FUTURE RECOMMENDED CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
9. ESTIMATE
   The time and investment required to restore, replicate or renew the historic ornamental metals or artwork.
10. SOURCES
    A list of the sources of information, historical records, metal tests and examinations, historic photographs, etc.
11. APPENDICES
    Full records of sampling, analysis, diagnostic investigations.