craig deller conservation

McCormick Patent Model
3rdQ 19thC

Pre-Treatment
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Pre-Treatment
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Pre-Treatment
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During Treatment
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During Treatment.
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Post Treatment
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Post Treatment
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Post Treatment

I am a seasoned conservator with over 30 years of high-profile experience in the scientific approach to conservation with strong integrity and excellent project-management skills.

In my current position as Senior Conservator at the Deller Conservation Group, I've successfully treated a diverse group of objects in a variety of complex and challenging situations.

I have extensive experience with clients in collections care, treatments & surveys, as well as in
developing successful preventative conservation strategies.

I have also, as time permits, offered my services pro bono through the American Institute for Conservation.

I believe that my skills as a conservator and experience in high value treatments will enhance your already strong and comprehensive collection.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about any opportunity and discuss how

my skills and experience can contribute.

Welcome to my website.

I have treated such diverse materials as early scientific instruments, 19thC folk art, Medieval artifacts as well as historic furniture from all periods and cultures.

I have been a member of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) since 1983, and was elected as a Professional Associate in 1993.

Elected Fellow in 2015.

Over the years of my career I have been elected president of the Chicago Area Conservation Group (CACG) from 1993--1999. This forum allowed both established senior conservators and student interns alike to present their latest research and treatments to other conservators in Chicago.

I also had been elected to the Board of Directors of AIC and served as director of communications from 1999-2005 encompassing two terms, during which I arranged for AIC to appear on the "Antiques Roadshow" and other venues.

I have been trained at the Smithsonian Institution's Conservation Analytical Laboratory (CAL) and audited the Furniture Conservation Training Program there.

Other mentors have included Dr. Walter McCrone, Richard Wolbers and many others.

Having been trained in the scientific approach to preservation/conservation my services include:

Original surface recovery.

Loss compensation

Examination and documentation.

Technical analysis

Consultations

Historic Preservation

Education & research

Other areas include:

Cemetery preservation

Collection surveys.
Public Art & Sculpture

Please visit our other pages for more information......

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Senior Conservator with 30 years experience. Areas of expertise include traditional hand skills and modern conservation techniques.

Meticulous & excellent at juggling multiple tasks and working under pressure.

Elected as Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

Board of Directors of The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation

Board of Directors: Adventures in Preservation

SKILLS

Senior Conservator

The Deller Conservation Group LTD - Geneva, Il / Madison, WI 01/1982 - Current

Contracted with multiple museums and related institutions and private collectors for collection surveys, treatments and preventative conservation activities.

Academic Instructor

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL 01/1999 - Current

Designed and teach full day, hands-on Interior Surfaces Conservation Techniques labs for the Masters Program in Historic Preservation.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Lead conservator on Team 3 for AASLH/AIC joint effort following Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

National Museum of St. Kitts West Indies. Treated multiple objects including monkey traps. 2003

Collection survey, public lecture at Estate Whim Plantation and Great House. St. Croix USVI 2006

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

President of the Chicago Area Conservation Group (CACG) 1993-2000. This forum allowed both senior conservators, emerging professionals and student interns to present their research and findings.

Director of Communications American Institute for Conservation and Historic Works (AIC). 6 years (two terms). This position allowed many opportunities to promote conservation through outreach.