Terms of Service

Our service terms and conditions

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Art Conservation Associates website and services. By engaging our conservation services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or website.

Description of Services

Art Conservation Associates provides professional conservation and restoration services for artwork, antiques, and cultural objects. Our services include but are not limited to:

Service Terms and Conditions

Consultation and Estimates

Initial consultations may be provided at no charge for assessment purposes. Detailed condition reports and treatment proposals are provided in writing before any work begins. All estimates are valid for 90 days unless otherwise specified.

Authorization and Approval

No conservation work will begin without written authorization from the client. Changes to the agreed treatment plan require additional written approval and may affect the timeline and cost.

Timeline and Completion

Project timelines are estimates based on the scope of work and current studio schedule. Delays may occur due to unforeseen conditions, material availability, or additional treatments deemed necessary during conservation. We will notify clients promptly of any significant delays.

Payment Terms

Payment terms are specified in each service agreement. Generally:

Client Responsibilities

Risk and Liability

Inherent Risks

Conservation work involves inherent risks. While we exercise the highest standards of care, some risks cannot be eliminated entirely. These may include:

Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the value of our professional services. We are not liable for:

Insurance

We maintain professional liability insurance and general commercial insurance. However, clients are responsible for insuring their objects for their full value during treatment. We can provide documentation for insurance purposes upon request.

Storage and Abandonment

Objects not retrieved within 30 days of completion notification may be subject to storage fees. Objects abandoned for more than one year may be disposed of at our discretion after appropriate legal notice.

Intellectual Property

We retain the right to photograph objects for documentation, educational, and promotional purposes unless otherwise specified in writing. Clients retain ownership of their objects and any accompanying documentation.

Confidentiality

We maintain confidentiality regarding client information and object details unless disclosure is required by law or authorized by the client. We do not discuss valuations or provide authentication services.

Professional Standards

Our conservation practices follow the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and international conservation standards. All treatments are performed by trained conservation professionals.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from our services will be resolved through binding arbitration in Massachusetts under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, except where prohibited by law.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts without regard to conflict of law principles.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Art Conservation Associates
109 Webster St
Boston, MA 02128
Phone: (617) 567-7950
Email: siennamorrow@artconassc.com