In an effort to respond to the current health crisis, West Lake Conservators has taken the temporary preventative step of a period closure starting March 19, following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order, and will reopen once it is declared safe by the Governor (for updates see https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home). As a result of these constraints, there will be a delay in completing treatments and established deadlines will be in flux.
During this time, in-person appointments have been suspended and we are available preferably by email (us@westlakeconservators.com). Phone messages will be checked as possible, but access to the lab is limited. Please rest assured that objects will continue to be fully insured and security and environmental systems are still in place.
West Lake Conservators’ staff will continue to respond to clients’ needs as possible remotely. We are available to arrange for objects to be dropped at the lab for exam and picked up. For this process to be safe, West Lake Conservators’ staff will wear protective equipment (mask and gloves) at all times when inside the lab. Objects can be exchanged using the side door on the ground level, which gives access to the Paper Conservation Lab. Objects being returned to clients will be packaged and can be placed in the client’s vehicle by our staff. Clients are advised to unwrap the object after the minimum recommended period of 72 hours.
Alternatively, West Lake Conservators can arrange to deliver objects if requested. Our Fine Art insurance covers objects in our possession in the lab as well as in transit and home studios.
West Lake Conservators’ staff is available for phone consultations, including using video conferencing tools that can allow discussing damage and treatment options. We are also available, as always, to advise on preventive conservation measures. For resources on handling COVID19 affected collections, we recommend the resource page compiled by the American Institute for Conservation: https://www.culturalheritage.org/resources/emergencies/collections-care-amid-covid-19
We look forward to this challenging period to be behind us and wish for all the community to stay well.
These guidelines will be revised as news progresses and information evolves. Thank you for your patience.
