FAQ

What does it cost?

This depends on a lot of factors. It is important to consider that many procedures within conservation require painstaking and time consuming labour, which is usually the main cost factor. Some additional costs might occur for the use of certain materials, such as protective backing, glass or lining canvas. Relatively quick ball-park estimates for treatments can sometimes be given based on your description and/or some images. However a reliable cost estimate or quote can only be provided after direct examination. This will not be charged for, unless the case is more complicated or requires travel, in which case costs will be agreed to in advance. A rate of 20% VAT is applicable to all costs.

What are the first steps?

First contact is usually via email or a phone call, introducing your work of art, the condition it is in and what you would like to be done. If you can send images, this will be very helpful for a first idea. Sometimes a first rough plan of what might be required can be provided based on this, but usually a close examination of the piece in the conservation studio is necessary to establish the best course of action. For this the artwork will need to come to the conservation studio. If you are unable to bring your piece to the studio for any reason, collection can be arranged or alternatively the examination may be carried out on site. Costs for time and mileage will however usually be charged for in those cases.

How safe is the studio?

The business is fully covered with insurance for public/products liability and professional indemnity. Goods in trust and transit are also covered up to a certain value, but if necessary clients will be advised to provide continued cover through their own insurers. The studio offers a very secure environment with double locking and police monitored intruder alarm in place, as well as 24 hour CCTV surveillance of the building via Templeton Business Centre Security. A copy of the business insurance policy can be provided if requested.

How is a contract entered into and what does it include?

After receiving a treatment proposal and/or estimate/quote, a written confirmation from you agreeing to a treatment is usually required, before any conservation work can be started.

A brief description of the condition of a painting on initial examination is normally part of and included in the treatment proposal. At the end of the treatment a report will be provided listing the measures carried out and the materials used. Images of the artwork before and after treatment, usually from the front as well as the back are taken routinely by the studio and will be made available to the client in jpg format. If additional images, or a more detailed condition or treatment report are required, this may be charged for and must be discussed before entering into the agreement.

How long does it take?

Obviously this depends on the level of work required. The anticipated labour time is usually set out in the treatment proposal and cost estimate. However, within the busy studio schedule smaller treatments are often carried out besides larger projects, certain measures might require periods of rest and sometimes projects on a deadline need to be prioritised on short notice. It is therefore not always possible to provide an exact finishing date on the outset, but as far as possible a rough timeframe will be given.

Who carries out the work?

Most of the work is carried out personally by Sylvia Krauss ACR. In times of high work load, freelance colleagues may sometimes be called in for support, who are fully trained conservators themselves, adhering to the professional standards of ICON and the course of treatment as set out by the studio and agreed to by you, the client. The network of colleagues in Scotland is small, but very friendly and includes a number of related businesses like conservators with a different specialism or picture framers. In most matters to do with the restoration of frames, the studio has been working in close relationship with frames restorer Sophie Kostin.

Which forms of payment are accepted?

Payment should preferably be made via bank transfer, but cheques and cash are also accepted. Any advance payment is not usually required, however paying in one or more instalments may be requested for bigger projects. Usually invoices are issued at the end of treatment and are payable within 30 days from the date of issue. All payment details are listed at the bottom of the invoice.