In his work Conservation Skills Chris Caple provides an overview of the issues facing conservators of historic and artistic works. This extensive work not only describes the nature of conservation but also provides an ethical framework to which the conservation of objects as diverse as 'old masters' to the ephemera of the 20th century can be related. Drawing on case studies of well-known objects such as the body of the Lindow Man, Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes and the Statue of Liberty the author addresses the following issues: perception, judgement and learning reasons for preserving the past the nature and history of conservation conservation ethics recording, investigating, cleaning objects stabilisation and restoration preventive conservation decision making and responsibilities The conservator has to fulfil a number of roles and make important decisions which are clearly defined in this comprehensive work drawing on Chris Caple's many years as a conservator and an archaeologist.

Reviews

"This especially valuable, clearly written, and well-documented overview considers major cognitive issues that confront conservators of historic and artistic works...Superb examples range from Paleolithic cave art to cathedral mosaics, shrunkenheads to Spitfire aircraft, and the Statue of Liberty to the Portland Vase."
-C.C. Kolb, CHOICE, May 2001