Art Restoration

Art has been an inseparable part of human life and culture since the dawn of civilization. The spectrum of art is indeed vast and unlimited, beginning with the cave paintings of the early man, encompassing the Harappan art forms, (Indian) Gupta period, Greeco-Roman art collection and continuing right up to the famous painters /sculptors like Tagore, Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, Gaugain, Rodin, Picasso, Van Gough, Salvadore Dali to name a few.

In today’s technologically advanced world, much care is being taken for the restoration and conservation of art and masterpieces. These two have become suitable career options for the people from all age groups.

Art restoration and Art conservation are two separate fields of taking care of art objects. Whereas Art Restoration tries to return the work to an earlier state by cleaning it up and thereby further modifying it from its original state, Art conservation emphasizes on its preservation by suitable techniques such as examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care of the art object supported by research and education. The restoration is made in such a way that the masterpiece doest not lose its original flavor.

Again the professionals involved with art restoration not only restore the paintings but also restore murals, photographs, manuscripts, sculptures, textiles and other art objects. The profession aims at trying to modify art objects so as to make it seem more similar to its original state.

It is criticized by many critics that art restoration further modifies the work and moves it further away from the original but in fact the work helps in preserving the object for a longer period of time.
 

Art Restoration Eligibility Criteria

For joining a course in art restoration in any one of the institutes anywhere in India, a person needs to possess a basic degree with specialisation in subjects like archaeology, ancient and medieval history, history of world art and so forth.

For getting into a reputed institution, a high percentage of marks would be required. The candidate should preferably have some basic knowledge about the various art forms and prominent schools of art.

This intricate career is based on the apprenticeship pattern. New entrants train and practice under experienced restorers, taking on new and larger projects as and when they are taken up.

Years of hard work and experience are required before a person becomes adept at this art. Most of the training given is in Art History where graduates then go on to learn on-the-job, working as apprentices.

Art Restoration Career Prospects

In India trained and skilled art restorers can easily find openings at any of the three National Museum Centres (Restoration Departments) or at private art firms or even start their own practice. Being a risky business, not many young people however, are willing to take the plunge.

For such people, there are other options such as teaching, art journalism, archaeology, art dealing (involves trading art materials which requires not only a good business sense but artistic skills as well.

We have come a long way in changing our attitudes about art - before broken or damaged objects were considered inauspicious and thrown away and today, they are sold at lakhs of rupees. Art, after all, is to be cherished forever.

This radical change in attitudes has fuelled the art restoration business. Even though restoration takes place at selected places (museums, private art firms), the need for skilled restorers is desperately felt. This is therefore, a promising future for all art-lovers.
 

Art Restoration Institutes & Training

A major proportion of the restoration and conservation work in India takes places at the following places:

National Museum Centres - Situated in Lucknow, Delhi and Calcutta, these centres look after their own art works and occasionally those of other state museums. Most of their services are to the government collections and private jobs are only taken if connected to our national heritage.

INTACH Art Conservation Centres - The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in NewDelhi provides restoration/conservation facilities to private collectors and institutions and charge a nominal fee for their expenses.

A few restoration firms take on work from private collectors, and may charge high fees for their services. Some restorers also choose to have their own firms, but the high costs of running the business tend to retard their growth and expansion.

Institutes offering course in art restoration

• National Museum, New Delhi
• University of Mysore, Crawford Hall, Mysore
• University of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana