Musical instrument conservation is a fascinating field. Instruments occupy a unique space as they are artworks, scientific objects, and functional tools all at once. They are often complex, mixed-media objects, made from combinations of wood, bone, metals, varnishes, plastics, and other materials. A conservator must understand how these materials behave over time and how they may react to conservation treatments. This work therefore requires scientific knowledge, strong practical skills, and an understanding of music and its history.Because instruments are both objects of heritage and as tools for making music, finding the right balance between conservation and function is part of a musical instrument conservator’s day to day activities. Image Musical instrument before (left) and after (right) conservation This article was published on 2024-08-21
