Professional Ethical Code

Conservation Web vzw promotes a professional ethical code which principles are compatible with those of European professional conservation organizations and ECCO (European Confederation of Conservator-restorers).

Anyone who wants to subscribe to the Register of professionals on this site has to underwrite this ethical code. It is one of the conditions to be accepted.


Principles

By "object" we understand all kinds of art or cultural heritage

  • All treatments undertaken in relation to preservation, conservation and restoration of art and cultural heritage will be done with respect for the object. This respect relates to the character of the object and its function in a historical, art historical or any other context from which it derives its importance.
  • The professional will not undertake any treatments outside his competences. If he does not have the necessary knowledge or professional skills he will refer the client to somebody who has.
  • All assignments will be executed according general governing laws.
  • Before starting conservation a professional will undertake a preliminary examination of the object to diagnose the damage sustained. Hereby he will propose the minimal necessary conservation treatment, necessary to prevent further decay in the given circumstances. The preliminary examination will be discussed with the people responsible for the given object.
  • If necessary the professional will work together with other professionals or researchers when undertaking the preliminary study.
  • Conservation treatment will always be limited to the minimal necessary intervention. Additionally preventive conservation measures will be undertaken.
  • When treating an object the professional will try to save as much as possible of the original object. Loose fragments that cannot be reused for conservation or restoration purposes will be saved and handed back to the client together with the end report.
  • When new materials are used the professional will only use the best quality materials for the purpose. These materials and the techniques used should be generally accepted in the professional field.
  • Treatments have to be reversible. This will allow further treatments in the future without damaging the objects.
  • Every assignment will be covered in a written end report in which the condition before and after will be documented, as well as the materials and techniques used. The report will be illustrated with photographs where necessary. A copy of the report will be given to the client when returning the treated object. The report itself remains the intellectual property of the professional.
  • The professional will refrain in supporting or participating in any form of illegal art traffic.
  • Before an assignment is completely or partially passed on to other professionals this has to be discussed with the client and other parties involved. The person who accepts the assignment is responsible for supervising the treatments by third parties. It is his job to make sure that these parties comply with all principles mentioned above. He will retain the ultimate responsibility for the quality of the work related to the assignment.
  • The professional has the right to refuse an assignment when he judges this to be in contradiction with the professional ethical code.
  • The professional commits himself to work according the highest professional standards and to develop his knowledge and professional skills by attending educational activities and further study.
  • All relations between the professional, his clients, his colleagues and the cultural heritage will always be based on mutual respect and integrity.