Collections Care
Clocks are part of our material cultural heritage—it is our responsibility to ensure their preservation for future generations, to develop a full understanding of the historical background, and enable access for public enjoyment and research.
Our collections care program is a portfolio of services including historical research, preventative conservation, environmental monitoring, maintenance and repair as deemed appropriate to the use of your collection whether it is one or 100 clocks.
Our Services:
Collection Survey — a Getty ID and an assessment of overall condition supported by digital photography. This is useful for insurance purposes, property inventory, and planning. These surveys are kept secure and are always available should they be needed. The survey typically takes from two to four hours per clock depending on the size, complexity and location of the clock.
Preliminary Condition Report — an evaluation of the general condition, location, safety and usage of the clock. This is useful for determining a priority for maintenance/conservation and includes recommendations for immediate application for the use and the safety of your collection. This typically involves removal of the movement from the case, an inspection without a full disassembly, and photographic documentation of important details. This typically takes between four and eight hours per clock depending on the size, complexity and location of the clock.
Full Condition Report — this work expands on the Preliminary Condition Report and is performed as items are identified as a priority for treatment. The movement is completely disassembled, inspected and photographed. All issues for possible treatment are noted. A full report is completed outlining issues in preparation for the completion of a Treatment Proposal. This work typically takes between eight and 24 hours per clock depending on the size, complexity, location and condition of the clock.
Treatment Proposal — this draws on the Full Condition Report and performs any additional inspection, testing, or further evaluation that might be needed to determine an appropriate treatment. In addition, a historical study is completed to assist with the determination of historical importance. This involves, knowing who the maker was, if possible, the period and location of making, and a knowledge of other similar clocks. Treatment options are prepared and discussed with the owner(s). Upon agreement of the treatment, a treatment proposal is completed with detailed costing and estimated time to completion discussed.
Environmental Monitoring — this is a complete program that monitors the environment in the vicinity of the clock and develops recommendations for the conditions which will ensure preservation of the clocks. This is particularly important for any clocks that may be in a storage location. The program could be short or long-term depending on need.
Interim Maintenance — an inspection and maintenance that typically involves removal of the movement from its case and oiling critical points for continued safe running.
Maintenance Plan — an annualized plan for complete maintenance of the collection. Including a schedule for interim maintenance as well as proposed treatments. The plan is reviewed annually.
Emergencies and/or unplanned events — a maintenance plan also covers a limited number of unplanned events such as moving a clock from one room to another. Contractual arrangements for emergency assistance are prearranged avoiding undesirable consequences in emergency scenarios.
Packing, Handling, Storage — we assist with moving or shipping either an entire collection or individual items in the collection. Services here are contracted on a separate basis. Moving and setting up of an item throughout the same estate will typically be covered as part of a maintenance contract.
Risk Assessment and Management Plan — risk assessments and plans are completed jointly with the estate personnel. Outcomes are integrated with the maintenance, storage, and emergency plans as required.
Training — training is provided for typical daily or weekly maintenance, such as winding, setting, and record keeping.
