Revival is a suitable title for the exhibition of the conservators’ work, because they are the ones to have afforded a new lease of life to object that have already left the active „working life” behind and entered a completely new status – that of a witness a of our past. A great number of objects pass through the tender hands of conservators on a daily basis and at times it seams tasks and processes repeat themselves endlessly. This could be the reason why only a limited number of exhibits are displayed in this exhibition, since it is equally important to demonstrate the level of skill involved while also highlighting some remarkable, even outstanding objects.
Every conservation process bears a great responsibility and significance regardless of whether it has been carried out at the work-shop or in situ. Hence judging from this perspective, it is of little importance whether the tread object is Rembrandt’s engraving, a letter, an antique book, a soapbox, an archeological artefact or an ethnographical item. Each object has its own unparalleled meaning – the set of characteristics shaped by its history, date and means of production, relevance to a particular style, epoch, origin, personality or group of people.
Once an artefact is in a conservator’s care, it is repeatedly researched, studied and treated. The conservator, more than any other scholar, has a set of skills, opportunities and time for building a connection with the object that need to be preserved, which is a clear advantage to everyone. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the object and its particular characteristics and to bring out these qualities for wide public to appreciate while remaining unknown in the background.
The main purpose of the exhibition is to introduce general public with the achievements of these “background” professionals. Therefor all original objects are displayed with a photograph that documents their condition prior to conservation together with a concise description of applied treatment. In some instances the complicated and lengthy tasks involved are not described in great detail, as is the case of cleaning of archeological artefacts.
The exhibition will delight observant and considerate viewers.