Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts will partner with the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) of Philadelphia to conduct a detailed conservation survey of its works on paper collection and to assess its general housing. A conservation assessment found the collection to be at risk with many works showing discoloration, staining, and burn marks as the result of being housed in acidic mats, while others have suffered mechanical damage, and still others are so fragile that they cannot be exhibited. The museum curatorial team will select 750 key works to receive item-level assessments, and they will identify frames of historic or artistic value to be preserved with the works of art. CCAHA paper conservators will conduct an onsite general housing assessment of the works on paper, examine each of the 750 key works, and generate itemized condition reports detailing conservation treatment and housing needs. The final reports will provide the museum with a needed roadmap for correcting improperly matted and framed works, providing conservation treatment, and improving stewardship and public access to these important collections through exhibitions and online presentations.