CONSULTATION PROCESS
The care and preservation of your collection is The Conservation Center’s primary goal. To begin your conservation project, please contact the Client Services Department at (312)944-5401. Our knowledgeable associates will be able to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about conservation. We will also work with your schedule to set up an appointment for a consultation.
After the initial consultation, your piece will be tested and examined at The Center's laboratory. The conservators will then provide a formal condition report and treatment proposal. The treatment proposal will outline the methods and materials that will be used, pricing information, and estimated treatment time.
Once you have received the treatment proposal, a Client Services Associate will contact you to review the available treatment options and find the best fit for your needs.
To ensure thorough examination and testing, please allow 10 business days for the assessment. For your convenience, your treatment proposal will be sent via e-mail.
If you would like to proceed with treatment, please sign and send back the authorization form found at the end of the treatment proposal. Written authorization and a deposit are required to begin treatment.
Please let a Client Services Associate know at the beginning of the project if you are working with a deadline.
EXAMINATION
Please note that pieces arriving at The Conservation Center in frames may be unframed during the examination process so that a thorough examination can be conducted by our conservators. In instances where the framing materials are not conservation-grade or where the framing materials might cause further damage to the piece should they be reassembled, the examined item(s) will remain unframed post-examination. Should the client choose not to go forward with conservation treatment, the artwork and framing materials will be returned in separate packaging.
Triage may be needed for pieces that arrive wet or moldy. To prevent further damage, conservators will triage the piece immediately.
make an appointment
For the most accurate and comprehensive assessment of your artwork, we request that you bring your item to The Conservation Center. This allows the conservators to perform thorough examinations in the laboratory. Please click the tab for further information on how to make an appointment.
Contact Us
Call The Conservation Center to schedule a consultation: (312) 944-5401
Appointments are available Monday–Friday 9:30 AM–4:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES CONSERVATION COST?
The cost of conservation treatment is based on an hourly rate. As all pieces are unique, the cost of conservation will vary from treatment to treatment. The examination phase is integral to establishing the time and materials needed for a conservator to complete the project. All pricing information will be outlined in the treatment proposal after examination and testing have been completed.
DOES THE CONSERVATION CENTER TREAT SENTIMENTAL ITEMS?
The Conservation Center treats both works of sentimental and market value. Whether your piece is part of your family’s history or a high-value artwork, you can be assured that it will be treated with the utmost care.
WHAT IS MY PIECE WORTH?
The Conservation Center is unable to offer appraisals or authenticate any pieces, as it is an ethical conflict of interest. If you are interested in pursuing your piece's history, provenance, or value, please contact an independent appraiser. Appraiser contact information can be found on the American Society of Appraisers website.
I WOULD PREFER NOT TO MOVE MY PIECE. HOW WOULD A CONSERVATOR EXAMINE IT?
In some cases, The Conservation Center can provide an on-site assessment of your piece or collection. Please contact the Client Services Team to schedule an on-site assessment or to get a quote.
I DO NOT LIVE IN CHICAGO. HOW DO I GET MY PIECE TO THE CONSERVATION CENTER?
Please contact Client Services at (312) 944-5401 for assistance with transporting your piece to The Center.
I AM AN INDIVIDUAL; CAN I STILL HAVE MY ARTWORK TREATED AT THE CONSERVATION CENTER?
Yes. The Conservation Center’s diverse client base includes everyone from private citizens to museums, auction houses, interior designers, and galleries.
I WORK FOR AN INSURANCE OR RESTORATION COMPANY, AND MY CLIENT HAS HAD A DISASTER IN THEIR HOME. CAN THE CONSERVATION CENTER COME ON-SITE AND ASSIST WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE ART?
Yes, please contact the Client Services Department or call us at (312) 944-5401 for assistance with all disaster responses. For 24-hour disaster response, please call (773) 673-8104.
