Surface Patterns

Conservators make many decisions, many which go unnoticed, about what to preserve in an object. These choices expose the subjective nature of conservation practice, highlighting the patterns of care that influence how objects are preserved over time. 

Magnification reveals surface patterns and textures that might otherwise be overlooked, showing that even objects which appear ordinary (most were sourced from charity shops) can become “art” upon closer looking. These patinas, patterns and surfaces speak to an object’s physical history and their uses. 

Conservation is not a fixed process. It has a messier, human side that involves intuition, subjectivity and compromise.

Curated by students from Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media MSc.