Working in collaboration with curatorial staff, the department undertakes appropriate conservation procedures on individual objects to the highest-possible standards in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. Conservators examine and analyze objects in the collection to inform treatment methods and further teaching, scholarship, and research. Conservation treatments avoid compromising future research potential of objects. Conservators investigate materials and techniques using microscopy, X-radiography, X-ray fluorescence, and infrared reflectography. More advanced methods of analysis are coordinated with the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage at Yale University’s West Campus Collections Center and other laboratories. Examination and treatment documentation is thorough and stored in formats that ensure long-term preservation. The department partakes fully in the Gallery’s mission to teach and disseminate knowledge. Courses in conservation, connoisseurship, and technical art history are taught using the Gallery’s collection and facilities.
In addition to their work in the studio, conservators engage in research, teach classes and workshops, and collaborate with other professionals in the field.

Irma Passeri, the Susan Morse Hilles Chief Conservator
Behind the Scenes: Conservation Lab





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Catherine (Cathy) Silverman, Assistant Conservator of Objects and Furniture, and Anne Turner Gunnison, the Alan J. Dworsky Senior Associate Conservator of Objects.
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Watch the Video
Related Content
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Conservation Projects
Learn about the artworks conservators have recently evaluated and treated.
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Conservation: Selected Websites
Resources like ours help individuals and institutions preserve and protect their collections.
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Wurtele Study Center
A state-of-the-art educational and research facility that offers access to over 42,000 objects in the collection.
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Provenance Research
The Gallery actively researches the provenance of all works of art in its collection.