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TRI-STATE/NYC • HUDSON VALLEY • On-SiTE

Hughes Art Conservation

We provide expert conservation, restoration, and documentation for three-dimensional sculptures and multimedia artworks. Based in New York City and the Hudson Valley, we offer discreet, quality care for high-end institutions and private collectors.

CONSERVATION TREATMENTS

We carry out conservation treatments tailored to each object, addressing structural stability, surface condition, and material integrity while respecting the artist’s intent and maintaining reversibility where possible.

Collections Care

We provide collections care services focused on preventive conservation, including condition monitoring, environmental recommendations, and safe handling practices to support the long-term preservation of artworks.

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ASSESSMENTS & Condition Reports

We offer pre- and post-treatment assessments and condition reports for exhibitions, loans, insurance claims, pre- and post-sales, appraisals, transport, storage, and other needs.

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VARIABLE MEDIA EXPERIENCE

We provide expertise in variable media artworks, developing documentation, preservation strategies, and care guidelines to address works that evolve across time, technology, and display contexts.

Our Services

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We provide comprehensive project management for conservation treatments, coordinating all stages from assessment and planning through execution to ensure efficient workflows, clear communication, and high-quality preservation outcomes.

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ONGOING MAINTENANCE

We offer ongoing maintenance programs tailored to each sculpture, combining regular inspections with preventive conservation care to support long-term stability, reduce deterioration risks, and preserve the artist’s intent in all environments

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Installation Oversight

We provide installation oversight for sculptures of all scales, ensuring careful handling, precise placement, and appropriate environmental conditions to safeguard the work during installation and display.

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Material & ethics consulting

We offer ethical advisory services addressing artist intent, reversibility, and professional standards to support informed decision-making for institutions, lenders, and collections.

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Qualifications

James Hughes received his MA in Art History and Advanced Certificate in Art Conservation from the Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, the longest-running conservation training program in North America. He served as a 2024–2025 Met Fellow in the Objects Conservation Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art after completing a graduate internship in the Media Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art. His professional experience includes conservation work at numerous institutions, among them The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, The Brooklyn Museum, American Museum of Natural History, and National September 11 Memorial & Museum. He has also served as an archaeological field conservator at Selinunte Archaeological Park in Sicily, Italy. In addition to his conservation training, James has a background in industrial design, including formal study in Milan, which informs his materially-grounded and collaborative approach to the preservation of works of cultural heritage.

Conservation Process

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Initial Inquiry

Contact us to discuss your collection. We review basic information and imagery to determine how we can best support your conservation needs.

Assessment

A formal examination is conducted on-site or in-studio to evaluate material stability, previous repairs, and specific conservation requirements.

Proposal & Ethics

We provide a Treatment Proposal adhering to AIC Ethics, outlining reversible methods and professional costs.

Treatment

Skilled technical execution focused on long-term stability. Every step is performed with precision, respecting the artist's original intent.

Documentation

A detailed Treatment Report is generated, including comprehensive photographic records of before, during, and after states.

Ongoing Care

We provide long-term collections care recommendations to ensure your sculpture remains protected within its environment.

Selected Projects

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The Met: Conservation of an
Yves Klein "Blue Venus" Sculpture

In-depth research and treatment of the only work by Yves Klein in The Met's collection.

When kinetics become relics:
CONSERVATION OF A KINETIC WORK BY KIYOJI ŌTSUJI

Navigating the ethical and practical issues involved in conserving the intangible. 

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RESTORATION OF A KEITH SONNIER
WORK FROM THE 1960s

Restoration of a long-forgotten work by Keith Sonnier harnessing the power of collaborative fabrication and computer-aided design.

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TREATMENT OF AN ACIENT
ROMAN GLASS VESSEL

A case study in emergency-response of sensitive archaeological materials with complex histories. 

FIELD CONSERVATION: 
SELINUNTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

Contributing to the preservation and scholarship of an important Greek site on the Mediterranean coast.

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ADDITIONAL WORK

Click here to see some of the studio's other projects.

These case studies demonstrate our adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics through meticulous, documented treatments and minimal intervention.

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Ethics &
Professional Affiliations

We are dedicated to the preservation of artistic integrity through strict adherence to the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and through active participation in global conservation networks. Our membership with the International Council of Museums - Conservation Committee (ICOM-CC) and the International Institute for Conservation (IIC) ensures we adhere to the highest international standards of practice.

Beyond these professional bodies, we are deeply committed to the local community, serving as a key partner with the Ossining Historical Society and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network. Through these collaborations, we bridge the gap between expert conservation and public education, ensuring that the history and art of our region are protected for future generations.

FAQs

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Start Your Project

Hughes Art Conservation specializes in the conservation and restoration of a wide variety of artworks.

 

With capabilities to work both in-studio and on-site, we are pleased to offer treatment plans and cost estimates for your projects.

Please provide a short description of the service(s) you'd like to discuss.

Requested Date and Time
Month
Day
Year
Time
HoursMinutes

Please indicate to schedule an assessment and/or treatment.

If you'd like to give us a better idea of your project, please attach any relevant document(s) here. They will remain secure and private.

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