conservation & Preservation services
B.R. Howard & Associates provides comprehensive conservation services for large-scale public art, architectural elements, and macro-artifacts. We specialize in complex treatments that require a fusion of chemistry, material science, and industrial-scale logistics.
Our approach is governed by the AIC Code of Ethics and optimized for federal, state, and institutions that require rigorous documentation and long-term stability for cultural property.
We also provide condition assessment reports, art storage, crating, exhibit mount making, art installations, and disaster recovery services.
Art conservation services on the east coast
Our conservation studio is located in south central Pennsylvania, B.R. Howard is just a few hours drive from some of the country’s biggest cities including New York (3.5 hours), Baltimore (1.5 hours), Washington D.C. (2 hours), Philadelphia (2 hours) and Pittsburgh (3 hours). Our prime location gives us the opportunity to provide preservation facilities and storage space to some of the finest art and history museums in the nation along the the east coast via Interstate 81.
B.R. Howard is located on the east cost, central to many major cities.
Architectural Preservation
Preserving buildings of historical significance and architectural charm is an environmentally responsible practice that is also vital to understanding our cultural heritage. In order to preserve our culture for future generations, it is essential to keep some of the spaces where we live intact. By maintaining them in this condition, the structures and spaces will also serve as a reminder of where we have been, and how far we have come. As such, our architectural preservation service focuses on enhancing the design durability of existing man-made structures.
We work on conserving both indoor and outdoor environments, by treating them for general weathering, disaster damage, and conditions caused by time. The main methods that we use to achieve architectural preservation and prevent deconstruction are rehabilitation, reconstruction, restoration, and preservation. Once you contact us for our services, our staff will visit the site to assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Most older buildings have an intrinsic value and attract people, and they also serve as a reminder of a city’s culture and complexity, helping to maintain a sense of heritage and permanency.
Public Art Conservation
Public art is a reflection of the community and is important to maintain its condition so that it looks its best at all times. Our public art preservation services are designed to maintain the integrity of the piece, while ensuring it remains healthy and long-lasting. Regardless of whether the piece is in the form of a painting, sculpture or architectural feature, our team of experts will help to care for it so that it does not lose its cultural importance and continues to bring economic value to the community.
Public art conservation service can range from assessments, to training and repairs. Maintenance will involve treating the collection regularly to help prevent common problems. Assessments are useful for evaluating and documenting the state of the asset and developing the best routine care. They will identify potentially problematic areas so that conservation treatments can be specifically tailored and executed for each piece. We then create a maintenance plan that to prevent premature issues from reoccurring and can offer training for staff on how to care for the public works. Our services are performed in strict compliance with AIC industry standards.
Our conservators are members or Professional Associates of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the Association for Preservation Technology (APT), Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), and are AMPP trained in coatings inspection using non-destructive techniques and instrumentation for analysis.
Conservation Treatment
Various conservation treatment methods can be recommended upon assessing a piece or collection. These options depend on the condition and needs of the object or how it will be exhibited. Art conservation treatments, art preservation, and art restoration may include cleaning, stabilizing, in-painting, or reproducing pieces to cover lost or damaged components.
Sculpture Restoration
Comprehensive treatment of outdoor sculpture in bronze, stone, and modern alloys. We specialize in the stabilization of large-scale works, including mechanical cleaning, patination, and the application of high-performance protective coatings.
Painting & Murals
In-situ and laboratory conservation of murals and monumental canvas works. Our services include structural stabilization, cleaning, and professional retouching for works within public and private institutions.
Artifacts and Objects
Our conservation treatment service also covers furniture, cultural heritage pieces, historic vehicles, military objects, and other artifacts of note. Depending on the condition of the object, it may be necessary to clean it to remove any dirt or soot, replace parts in areas of loss, carry out re-humidification of textiles, and the use of decorative paint to paint areas of loss.