Web Portfolio

Every object carries a story—of its creation, its use, and the people who have cared for it across generations. Some are tied to family histories and personal memory; others belong to our shared cultural heritage. Conservation exists at that intersection, where material preservation supports the stories objects are meant to carry forward.

My work focuses on the conservation of paper-based and mixed-media objects for both private individuals and cultural institutions. Whether an item is a family document, a work of art, or part of a public collection, each project begins with careful consideration of its materials, condition, and historical context. Treatment decisions are guided by archival best practices and ethical conservation standards, with respect for original materials, intent, and use.

Conservation is not simply about repair. It is about stabilizing objects so they may continue to be handled, studied, displayed, or passed down. Whenever possible, treatments prioritize minimal intervention, reversibility, and clear documentation, ensuring that future caretakers—whether family members, researchers, or conservators—can understand what was done and why.

Many of the objects I work with arrive carrying more than physical damage. They carry time, memory, and connection—to ancestors, to place, and to moments that shaped a family or a community. My approach to conservation is grounded in respect for those connections. The goal is not to erase age or evidence of use, but to preserve an object in a way that honors its history while allowing it to endure.

The projects presented here reflect a range of conservation challenges, from objects of deep personal significance to those held in institutional collections. Together, they represent a commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship, transparency of process, and collaboration with owners and stewards who seek to preserve meaningful objects for the generations that follow.

How can we help you protect your treasured pieces?

Please click on the images below to see selected projects in my portfolio.

Check back — The portfolio is updated occasionally.

To see additional photos and projects not shown here, please contact us: info@jcruickshankconservation.com