The conservator's first failure

[Dennis Piechota]

Your first treatment failure is a heddle 

in the construction of your career. 

Once thrown it changes the pattern 

of all your future work. 

Leaving a permanent career imperfection 

redefining the boundaries of your confidence 

reminding you of the complexity of substrates, 

the power of solvents and cleaning agents,

the importance of detailed object histories. 

While first failure is rarely explored 

as part of your conceptual framework 

it helps to be mindful that we all 

quietly share in the lesson

of this uncredited essential player 

in every conservator's education.

Image adapted from Less Than Perfect
Kelsey Museum, University of Michigan
detail showing a woven spirit pathway

Warner Collection, UMMAA 2008-17-32

https://exhibitions.kelsey.lsa.umich.edu/less-than-perfect/navajo.php

Dennis

Dennis Piechota

Archaeological Conservator

Fiske Center for Archaeological Research
UMass Boston
Office: 617-287-6829

ALTCONS Group Admin

an Alternative Conservation Discussion