The Ethics of Conserving Contemporary Artworks
Contemporary art conservation in London involves complex ethical considerations distinct from those encountered in treating historical works. The conservator must balance preservation with respect for the artist's original concept, particularly when that concept includes the use of ephemeral or deliberately unstable materials. Many contemporary artists intentionally select materials that will change over time. This temporal dimension may be integral to the work's meaning. The conservator must determine whether stabilising these materials contradicts the artist's intentions or whether allowing deterioration to continue risks losing the job entirely. Some installations incorporate found objects or industrial materials never intended for long-term preservation. These components may degrade rapidly, posing difficult decisions about replacing versus retaining original elements. The artist's voice is crucial in these discussions. When the creator is living and accessib...