Conservation Lab

The conservation department preserves the permanent art collection at the ASU Art Museum. The Conservation Lab accommodates a variety of artworks including paper, photographs, sculpture and craft, paintings, textiles, audiovisual and time-based media. The conservation department works closely with museum registrars, curators and preparators, advising on environmental controls, display mechanisms, pest management, travel requirements for artworks, packing and installation for all art on display. These activities form an overall preventative conservation program, which seeks to maintain the collection for ASU students and the public to enjoy and study for generations to come.

ASU Art Museum is a teaching museum, and the Conservation Lab is used to mentor the next generation of conservators. Through internships and fellowships for ASU students, the basic principles of conservation and preservation are introduced through hands-on experiences and the opportunity to work with scientists across campus. Currently, research is taking place on artists’ materials and techniques, which allows for more informed treatment and preservation decisions. It also aids in answering questions of dating, attribution and provenance.