The cost for conservation treatment is based on an hourly rate + GST. It is unusual for a treatment to cost anything less than $600-900 + GST, depending on the item and the level of damage. To accept a treatment proposal, we require a 30% initial payment.

Nothing! Our estimates are free of charge and obligation free. Note: There are some instances where we DO charge a fee prior to providing an estimate for your work: for site visits, mould affected items, and for quoting larger collections/projects. Let us know about your needs, and we can advise on the likely cost.

We can provide a rough guide to the potential cost when you send us detailed photographs. However, as every item is different, and treatments depend on the materials, and type and extent of damage or deterioration, we do need to see the piece physically to provide you with an accurate estimate for treatment.

Appointments are not essential. Our clients can sign in their items any time at reception. However, if you would like an initial consultation with a conservator it is best to book an appointment ahead of time. Initial consultations generally last ten minutes and are useful if you have any specific questions or concerns you would like to discuss. If the appropriate conservator is not available, we will note any requests or concerns and have the conservator contact you at a later date.

Our conservators do undertake site visits when necessary. For Sydney metro areas we charge a site visit fee of one hour + GST, and for locations outside of the Sydney area we charge one hour + GST + travel time (at a reduced travel rate).

Yes. For the safety of the item, our clients and our staff, we can recommend a professional art carrier to transport your item to our labs. If assistance is required, we are happy to arrange this transport on your behalf.

We are generally able to provide your estimate within two weeks. During this time, our conservators assess your item, assess the time and materials required for treatment, and undertake various tests.

Once an item is in our possession, it is placed on our schedule. Current lead times are 1-3 months depending on the project and conservator availability.

It is ICS policy to undertake mould remediation triage on a mould-affected object within 48 hours of delivery to our building. This allows us to safely handle the item to enable assessment for further treatment. Mould triage is provided at cost, and usually takes approximately 1-3 hours at our standard hourly rate. If you wish to bring a mould-affected item in to ICS, please to make an appointment in advance to speak with a conservator. Most importantly, please wrap the piece in transparent plastic prior to bringing it in to ICS. This is to contain the mould and allow us to provide you with an initial assessment by looking through the plastic.

ICS does not offer appraisal or valuation services. However, we are happy to coordinate both on your behalf. This will incur a service fee at our standard hourly rate. We recommend you only solicit appraisals and valuations from someone who is certified. The Australian Government website has a comprehensive list of certified valuers approved for the Cultural Gifts Program. However, please contact us if you require assistance.

We work closely with framers who specialise in conservation framing, and we're happy to refer you to them. Alternatively we can coordinate framing on your behalf. We also offer a reframing service if you wish to reuse an existing frame after the work has been treated. Framing coordination and reframing work will incur a service fee at our standard hourly rate.

We can assist in formulating a healthy storage plan for your item. This includes referring or coordinating specialised art transport, art storage, and various storage fabrication services for your own home. This will incur a service fee at our standard hourly rate. We can also provide advice in how to safely store and handle your item.

Yes. ICS can fabricate or coordinate the display of various items, whether it be for an exhibition or your own home. This will incur a service fee at our standard hourly rate.

Yes. We are happy to liaise with insurance companies with client approval.

Yes. Our item registration receipt includes an insurance value section, which we will ask you to complete. This help us to ensure that ICS carries the appropriate insurance value at all times to cover all items in our care.