Works of Art are usually of long-lasting value, both from an artistic and economic perspective. Unfortunately time brings deterioration along with the rise of value.
The damage an artwork that is inevitably brought about, is mostly due to exposure to non-ideal conditions of keeping. Light, atmospheric pollution, humidity, nicotine, and various accidents, devastatingly aggravate a work of Art.
The process of conservation mostly focuses on cleaning an artwork and in some cases completing missing pieces.
The process of restoration is a specialized domain, where an artwork is refaced, by renovating wounded parts.
Article of the Venice Charter illustrates that: The process of restoration is a highly specialized function. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetical and historical value of the artwork, and it is based on the respect for the original material and authentic scripts. It must be terminated at the point where speculation begins. In any case, historical study of the work must precede the restoration.
The restoration of a work of Art must be the product of the background knowledge not only on the work itself, the artist, the materials used, but also on the period when it was originally created.
NIKIAS Research Centre facilitates ad-hoc laboratories for conservation and restoration of Art.
The specialized technicians, apart from knowledge on various materials and techniques, carry out in-depth research on the artwork before applying any intervention. After the suitable materials and appropriate technique is decided, the process of conservation and restoration proceeds, always paying full respect on the artwork and the brushwork-style of the creator and surrounding Art-movement.