ABSTRACT
The discussion in this book revolves around the role that conservation science – in particular, innovative technologies – plays in the conservation of works of visual art. This chapter briefly sets the stage for this discussion. The chapter first looks at what conservation of visual art and, for that matter, cultural heritage entails. A brief history of the conservation field is then reviewed. In particular, the development of strict interpretations of professional codes of ethics and the resulting fear of failure are considered, both of which have led, in part, to the development of the modern field of conservation science. Finally, developments in conservation science are briefly reviewed in order to bring the reader up to the point where innovative technologies in conservation can be considered.
