Art occupies a momentous position in our lives as well as in our hearts. Maybe because it has stood the testimony of time itself. Making a mark since the earliest known human civilization, art has helped us identify our lineage, understand our religion, and, to this day, forms a critical base for our social system in general and our lives in particular.
For enthusiasts who understand what art is, and yes, it’s not a ‘few strokes of paint on a canvas’, art has unparalleled potential in various career options. One such glamorous, multifaceted option is that of art restoration and conservation. To state plainly, an art restoration and conservation professional restores, preserves and analyses artefacts and works of art. A career in this field requires a perfect balance between knowledge of the science and skills in art. Although the field is similar, both these career options entail different things.
A conservator may specialise in a particular type of object or material, such as paintings, books, sculptures or textiles.
An art conservator’s primary work involves monitoring and controlling the environment in which collections are stored or displayed to prevent deterioration. They may also restore individual objects directly. Conservators may be involved in conservation science and preventive conservation and may manage laboratories or have individual research interests. It deals with examination, documentation and treatment of the material by getting involved in research.
On the other hand, art restoration involves cleaning up the object of work so as to bring it to its earlier condition. It is a domain which requires specialised knowledge, most importantly of painting and history of art, and also to some extent, of chemistry. If a student has an interest in working on sculptures, old pictures or manuscripts, then understanding these fields is necessary. It is essential to keep in mind that art restoration is a time-taking process which involves going through details minutely.
Where to studyTo pursue art restoration and conservation professionally, one must have an undergraduate degree (with a decent overall performance) in archaeology, medieval history, ancient history or world history. Some institutes such as the University of Mysore, Kurukshetra University and University of Allahabad and National Museum offer specialised studies in art restoration. One should also be able to back academic degree with deep insights into art ideology, artists, cultural amalgamations, abstracts and different schools of thought. It is highly recommended that one undertakes ground projects, trainings and apprenticeships to attain knowledge and experience. This will help them acquire credibility.
Much of the art restoration and conservation in the country takes place at the National Museum Centres (Lucknow, New Delhi and Kolkata) and at INTACH Art Conservation Centre, which also lends its services to private art collectors and connoisseurs.
Art restoration and conservation has always been perceived as an ultra unconventional career choice, and hence only a handful of youngsters take it up.
However, with the Indian art industry gaining worldwide acclaim, a lot of students have started showing inclination towards the subjects. There has also been an increase in the number of art galleries in the country, and, hence, in the demand for art restorers and art conservators.
The land which has witnessed the Harappan civilization, where the Mughals ruled for over a century, where numerous battles have been fought, won and lost, the land which has a legacy of its own, calls for someone to uncover a thousand untold stories through its art and architecture.
Now that we are in an era where we identify ourselves proudly with our legacy, the day is not far when art conservation and restoration will become one of our top priorities.
The writer is founder and CEO, MINDLER.
