For the past few days I ve tried not to be lured into this discussion.
As a conservator, recent posts, especially the succinct "they are
condescending" have motivated me to weigh in.

A few of points:

First: I wonder if the roles of the conservator and curator are
inherently adversarial.  While curators deal with art and artifacts
within a cultural context, conservators are trained to understand art
from the standpoint of materials.  While overly simplified, curators
perceive "ideas" while conservators see "matter."  This issue becomes
most profound when control over a museum collection is at stake.  Using
color photographs as an example, a conservator might argue that cold
storage is essential for the preservation of the object, while a
curator might have an equal imperative to use the photograph for an
exhibit.  Obviously, a balance must be struck and this adversarial
relationship overcome if a museum is to fulfill its mission to both
preserve and promote culture.  All conservators understand this
compromise.  Within the context of negotiating this compromise,
condescension from both curator and conservator is possible, but on the
whole, avoidable.

Second: Conservators should be paid for their services like any other
professional, no question.  Within limits, however,  most conservators
give telephone advice at no cost.  In my experience, when a private
individual or institution needs to make a decision that will affect the
preservation of a collection, conservators will offer their advice in
the interest of the collection.  I would recommend that curators never
hesitate to call a conservator for advice.  If there is no budget to
pay for a consultation, explain that up front.  There is always a some
small way an institution can acknowledge help.

Third: Art conservation is a mature discipline.  There are accepted
techniques and standards of practice that apply to the treatment of
works of art.  It is a fact that responsible care for collections will,
at times, require the advice or services of a conservator.

Paul Messier
Conservator of Photographs & Works of Art on Paper
Boston Art Conservation
tel. 617 738 7072
fax. 617 738 8841
email [log in to unmask]