What is 'conservation'? An examination of the continued relevance of ICOM-CC's The Conservator-Restorer: A Definition of the Profession

Abstract

In 1978 Agnes Ballestrem presented a definition of the profession of the conservator-restorer to the ICCROM Standards and Training Committee meeting (ST 1/3). Six years later, the document The Conservator-Restorer: a Definition of the Profession emerged. A definition was important for advocacy, to differentiate conservation from other professions, guide practice and frame education and training. Since 1984, however, the intellectual and social environment in which the profession operates has changed substantially. Tertiary education contributes to a distinctive discipline with a highly developed discourse, and there is increased engagement with communities (of culture, of practice and of int..