International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works is a global organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage, including works of art and historic artifacts, in collaboration with institutions such as the Getty Conservation Institute, National Gallery of Art, and Victoria and Albert Museum. The organization works closely with professionals from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, British Museum, and Louvre Museum to develop and promote best practices in conservation. Founded in 1950, the organization has a long history of supporting conservation efforts, including the restoration of iconic landmarks like the Sistine Chapel and the Taj Mahal, in partnership with organizations such as UNESCO and the International Council of Museums. The organization's work is also informed by the research and expertise of institutions like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, and the Canadian Conservation Institute.

● History

The history of the organization dates back to the early 20th century, when conservators and restorers from institutions like the Prado Museum, National Museum of Anthropology, and State Hermitage Museum began to discuss the need for a unified approach to conservation. This led to the establishment of the organization in 1950, with the support of prominent figures like George Stout, Harold Plenderleith, and Ralph Mayer, who were influenced by the work of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. The organization's early years were marked by collaborations with institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, and Tate Britain, and the development of guidelines and standards for conservation, such as the Venice Charter and the Burra Charter, which were influenced by the principles of ICOMOS and the International Committee of the Blue Shield. The organization has also worked with other professional organizations, including the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property, and the Institute of Conservation, to advance the field of conservation.

● Organization

The organization is governed by a council of professionals from institutions like the National Museum of Natural History, Field Museum of Natural History, and Australian Museum, who are elected by the membership. The council is advised by a range of committees, including the Conservation Committee, Education Committee, and Publications Committee, which are composed of experts from institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University. The organization also has a secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, and is headquartered in London, with close ties to institutions like the British Library, National Archives, and Museum of London. The organization's structure is similar to that of other professional organizations, such as the International Council of Museums, International Committee of the Blue Shield, and the World Heritage Centre.

● Activities

The organization is involved in a range of activities, including the development of guidelines and standards for conservation, such as the ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas and the Nara Document on Authenticity, which are influenced by the principles of UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. The organization also provides training and education programs for conservators and restorers, in partnership with institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, and University of Melbourne, and offers a range of resources and support for conservation projects, including the Conservation Centre for Art and Historic Artifacts and the Canadian Conservation Institute. The organization has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the Getty Foundation, Kress Foundation, and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, to support conservation projects around the world, including the restoration of iconic landmarks like the Acropolis of Athens and the Great Wall of China.

● Publications

The organization publishes a range of materials, including the Journal of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, which features articles by experts from institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art, and Tate Britain. The organization also publishes a newsletter, which provides updates on the organization's activities and news from the conservation community, including institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, and Whitney Museum of American Art. In addition, the organization publishes a range of guidelines and standards for conservation, including the ICOMOS Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Buildings and the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice, which are influenced by the principles of ICOMOS and the International Committee of the Blue Shield. The organization's publications are widely respected and are used by conservators and restorers from institutions like the Louvre Museum, British Museum, and State Hermitage Museum.

● Membership

The organization has a global membership of conservators, restorers, and other professionals from institutions like the National Museum of Australia, Canadian Museum of History, and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Members come from a range of backgrounds, including museums, galleries, and conservation studios, and include experts from institutions like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University. The organization offers a range of benefits to its members, including access to training and education programs, discounts on publications, and opportunities to network with other professionals in the field, including institutions like the International Council of Museums, International Committee of the Blue Shield, and the World Heritage Centre. Members are also eligible to participate in the organization's committees and working groups, which are focused on topics like conservation ethics, education, and outreach, and are influenced by the principles of UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. Category:Conservation organizations