Who Are Conservators?

At SAM, our conservators ensure that the museum provides a safe setting in which to store and display works of art and undertake conservation treatments. Because these procedures may take many hours to complete, SAM conservators have a unique opportunity to examine the art in the collection. They study art, artists and individual objects to help obtain a clear understanding of the condition of every sculpture, piece of furniture, textile, video, print, ceramic, drawing, painting and photograph in SAM's vast collection.

SAM Conservation is comprised of conservators, collection care managers and technicians.

• Conservators oversee conservation policy and determine and carry out conservation treatments.
• Collection care managers ensure that the works of art are displayed and stored safely.
• Technicians assist with execution of projects and manage framing and other activities that may affect the art physically.
  
  

In any large museum, however, preservation is a collaborative effort and staff members in departments across the museum approach their work with care of the art in mind.

For information on conserving, repairing or restoring art, please email conservation@seattleartmuseum.org.