Archaeology

Our conservators can assist you in the field of conservation and restoration of archaeological material. We treat both freshly excavated finds and objects stored in heritage institutions. It is possible to have objects of metal, pottery, stone, glass and organic material from all periods treated. 

For all your questions about the restoration and conservation of archaeological material, please contact us to discuss the possibilities. 

We offer the following treatments:

Cleaning | Removal of corrosion | Consolidation | Impregnation of fragile objects | Bonding of loose parts | Repairing scratches or tears | Applying fillings | Removing old restorations, such as overpaint and retouching | Stabilisation | Retouching gaps | 

Freshly excavated material

Treating archaeological finds after excavation is necessary because the degradation processes that have slowed down during years of burial in the ground are accelerated again by sudden exposure to the air. Archaeological finds have also been affected by moisture, acids and other conditions in the soil. The discoveries are often coated with mud, scale or corrosion, and must be carefully cleaned to reveal their archaeological information and allow further analysis.

Depot or museum collections

Archaeological finds that have been stored in depots or exhibited in museums for years also require regular restoration or stabilising treatment. Some examples of this are finds stored in incorrect climatic conditions, previous conservation treatments that are outdated or finds that need to be prepared for exhibition.

Documentation is of great importance. After the treatment, a final report is drawn up in which all examinations and treatments are described in detail, based on photos. This offers the customer insight into the restoration process. Openness about our work is an essential pillar within our company.

Before restoration, each work undergoes an optical examination, which is used as the basis for a substantiated proposal for conservation or restoration. Then, a microscopic examination is performed using a stereomicroscope.

Meet our experts

Conservation and Restoration of Archaeological material

A selection of our work

Maintenance art in public space | Knokke-Heist

Art Salvage BE carried out annual maintenance and condition reporting of art in public space on behalf of Beaufort. They organize an art project every three years along the Belgian coast.

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