Our Story

Decades of expertise preserving art and antiques

Excellence in Conservation Since 1987

Art Conservation Associates was founded in Boston by master conservator Eleanor Hartwell with a singular vision: to provide museum-quality restoration services that honor both the artistic and historical significance of every piece.

What began as a small studio specializing in furniture repair has grown into one of New England's most respected conservation facilities. We've treated thousands of objects ranging from Colonial-era antiques to contemporary sculpture, each receiving the same meticulous attention and scholarly approach.

Our reputation is built on technical excellence, ethical practices, and an unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage. We believe that conservation is not just about repairing damage—it's about understanding the object's history, materials, and significance to make informed decisions about its treatment.

Today, we serve an diverse clientele including major museums, historical societies, auction houses, insurance companies, interior designers, and private collectors throughout the United States.

Historic conservation workshop with antique restoration tools and materials

Our Core Values

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Ethical Standards

We adhere strictly to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice established by the American Institute for Conservation. Every treatment is reversible, documented, and respects the object's integrity.

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Continuous Learning

Our team regularly attends professional conferences, workshops, and training programs to stay current with the latest conservation techniques, materials, and research in the field.

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Client Partnership

We believe in transparent communication throughout every project. Clients receive detailed condition reports, treatment proposals, and photographic documentation at every stage.

Meet Our Expert Team

Portrait of Sienna Morrow, Lead Conservator

Sienna Morrow

Lead Conservator & Director

With over 20 years of experience, Sienna specializes in furniture conservation and structural analysis. She holds an MA in Art Conservation from NYU and has worked with institutions including the MFA Boston and Winterthur Museum.

Portrait of Marcus Ashford, Senior Paintings Conservator

Marcus Ashford

Senior Paintings Conservator

Marcus brings 15 years of expertise in oil painting restoration and scientific analysis. His graduate studies at the Courtauld Institute included specialized training in Old Master paintings and canvas relining techniques.

Portrait of Dr. Lucia Chen, Objects Conservator

Dr. Lucia Chen

Objects Conservator

Dr. Chen specializes in ceramic, porcelain, and glass conservation with a background in materials science. Her PhD research focused on adhesive systems for archaeological ceramics and she has published extensively in conservation journals.

Portrait of Daniel Foster, Paper Conservator

Daniel Foster

Paper Conservator

Daniel's expertise encompasses prints, drawings, manuscripts, and photographs. Trained at the Library of Congress, he has treated rare documents including Colonial-era maps and Civil War photographs for major archives.

Why Clients Trust Us

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Museum-Quality Work

Our studio maintains the same rigorous standards used by major museums worldwide. We employ archival materials, reversible techniques, and comprehensive documentation for every project.

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Detailed Documentation

Every treatment includes before, during, and after photography, written condition reports, and detailed descriptions of materials and methods used—essential for insurance, provenance, and future care.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities

Our 5,000 square foot Boston studio features climate-controlled workspaces, specialized equipment including microscopes and UV lamps, and an extensive library of reference materials.

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Insurance Expertise

We work directly with insurance companies and adjusters, providing detailed estimates, loss assessments, and the documentation required for claims processing.

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

We'd be honored to evaluate your conservation needs. Contact us for a consultation to discuss how we can help preserve your valuable pieces.

Contact Our Team