Mr Nate Shugars
Oakland CA
Collections Conservation
Conservation is the process and profession devoted to the long-term stabilization and protection of cultural materials. One of the primary responsibilities of The Mariners' Museum is conservation of all the art and artifacts in its collection, over 35,000 items including ship models, nautical instruments, prints, paintings, and other objects. Proper conservation of the collection involves repair and stabilization of old damage and prevention of new deterioration, so that the objects will remain in good condition for generations to come.
Conservator is the title used for a professional who has specialized knowledge, training and skills in the arts, sciences, and other fields for use in the care and preservation of cultural material. Conservators at The Mariners' Museum are involved in a variety of projects, ranging from the careful restoration and preservation of paintings to the large-scale USS Monitor Conservation Project.
Chief Conservator Of Museum Collections Frederick Wallace, a specialist in paintings conservation, during treatment in the Museum Conservation Lab
The care and treatment of artifacts from the USS Monitor is undertaken by a seven person staff of conservators, technicians, and support personnel. Conservation of the Museum collection is directed by Frederick Wallace, Chief Conservator Of Museum Collections. The sole conservator at the Museum dedicated to care of the permanent collection, Wallace teams with various other museum staff to best address the extensive and on-going needs of the vast collection.
Examples Of Conservation Treatment
Detail of a portrait painting marred by splotchy, discolored overpaint from old restoration work.
Portrait painting after recent conservation treatment. The splotchy overpaint was disguised by adjusting the color with new inpainting.
Ship painting shown before treatment. The picture is darkened and obscured by grime and old, discolored varnish.
Ship painting during surface cleaning. The left area is uncleaned; the middle area has been cleaned of grime; the right area has been cleaned of both grime and discolored varnish.
Learn more about the conservation of the USS Monitor, visit Monitor: History & Legacy.
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