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About My Business

"The Conservation Workshop" is a small one-person business specialising in conservation treatments of paintings and painted surfaces. I am one of a handful of trained paintings conservators looking after cultural heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand. The paintings I treat come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from private ownership to public institutions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. As a result, many art works have now been preserved to be passed down generations, whilst others have been returned from storage areas to the public domain. Every artefact is treated individually, no matter its financial value, taking into consideration its history and heritage. Clients are looked after by me from the beginning to the end. I am not the face of the business with employees working in the background. There are no other people involved in my business, and the trust I have gained from clients is because I make sure the personal rapport is there. On occasion I work together with other conservators, specialising in other areas such as paper, metal or objects, to ensure the best outcome for more complex projects. Painting conservation is similar to painting restoration but takes a more conservative approach that honors the artist’s intent, materials, and original image. Conservators start by examining the painting to understand its condition and any underlying issues. The materials, the painting's structure, environment, previous restoration attempts, the extent of damage or deterioration are considered. Tests and documentation of findings are undertaken. I am a full member and current Auckland representative of the NZCCM (NZ Conservators of Cultural Materials Pū manaaki kahurangi). Full members need to be professionally trained, are experienced and always aiming to develop professionally. By preserving artworks and cultural artefacts, it is important to safeguard the object and its history. ​

Why We Should Win The Peoples Choice Award

Over the years I have successfully established myself in the cultural heritage community of NZ. As this is a very small community, it is vital to establish good connections and trusted relationships. Most contracts and contacts are established through these relationships. I graduated with a M.A. in the Conservation of Cultural Materials (Paintings) in 2005 and subsequently worked in conservation departments in New Zealand and overseas. During these formative years as a conservator, I was awarded several internships, including the Marylin Mayo Internship at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. These internships were followed by several private contracts with the same institutions, ensuring strong personal and professional connections to the present day. My business is a one-person business. As the owner and sole paintings conservator I meet future clients at the beginning and guide them through the process to the end. Initially Auckland visits and proposals are free of charge because I believe in establishing a good relationship and understanding first. The main focus of the business is to safeguard our cultural heritage. My future clients need to understand the difference between a conservator and a restorer. In turn I need to understand the artefact to be treated, its history, its location and intended outcome. To do so, I take the time to discuss this with clients and in turn establish a relationship. Successful paintings conservation treatments are the result of a combination of practical skills, chemical knowledge and ethical considerations. This requires continuous learning and upskilling. It makes conservation a very exciting profession.