I doubt that you will receive many real world responses to this query.

A fellow conservator told me of the afternoon when he, in company with the
conservators at the Museum of Modern Art walked around a painting by a
famous modern artist (with the famous modern artist) looking at the bits
of paint chipping off, and the artist said, "I didn't know it would do
that."

The Kinsey Sex Research Institute asked me whether or not the fecal and
semen stains should be removed from a set of donated leather underware.

It is much easier to respond to a question such as, "Should we clean up
this hammer from the lead mine?"  The answer is no.

The marks of usage, lead mine or bedroom, have become part of the
artifact.

When dealing with the work of living artists, contact the artist and ask
for their advice.

If the artist is dead, and the heirs/assigns are unavailable or
uninterested (unlikely....), the decision will be based upon an
administrative determination about the monetary value of the piece.

If enough money is involved, the reputation of the institution is
involved.  When that happens, the piece will be restored or buried
in a warehouse.

Been there; seen that; got the T-shirt.

Jack C. Thompson
Thompson Conservation Lab
Portland, OR

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On Wed, 3 Apr 1996, Megan W. Hill wrote:

> Just recently, I read last months Art in America. I became intrigued
> with the story of Jay DeFeo's painting of The Rose and the attempts in
> San Francisco to restore its quickly deteriorating state. I am curious
> to hear object conservators' thought and opinions on the conservation of
> these modern materials. For example, I've heard of artists using
> materials that are not meant to be archival and last forever (house
> paints, etc.). Once an artwork is passed into the hands of the museum,
> how are conservators dealing with this issue - or is this more of an
> ethical question as to whether or not they SHOULD be dealt with??
> I cannot seem to get my hands on any articles or references on the topic
> of modern material conservation. Any recommendation on where to find
> more information would be greatly appreciated. You may mail directly to
> me as this topic may be irrelevant to others on the list.
> Thank you!
>
> Megan Weiler-Hill
> Museum Studies Graduate Student
> [log in to unmask]
>