Partners in Preservation, From the North Coast to Nationwide
Expert Art Conservation Tailored for You
ICA-Art Conservation offers services tailored for everyone, from museums to individual collectors. Our skilled conservators expertly handle collections of all kinds, including libraries, archives, universities, historical societies, halls of fame, community organizations, and private collectors. Situated in Cleveland, Ohio, we proudly serve clients throughout the Great Lakes Region, the greater Midwest, and beyond. We are prepared to connect with you directly, providing clear guidance and exceptional care. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Add ICA to your team!
Only a small percentage of U.S. museums maintain internal conservation departments; many rely on external partners for documentation, planning, and treatment. ICA functions as an extension of your team— providing condition assessments, treatment proposals, grant-friendly documentation, and treatment for
paintings,
works on paper,
textiles, and
objects. Our Cleveland roots connect us to the beloved institutions at University Circle and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame district on the lakefront, but our work extends from Columbus to Cincinnati, Dayton to Canton, Akron to Youngstown, and throughout the Great Lakes region.
Project Highlight – Roman Mask
Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Treatment Summary - This marble theatrical mask (ca. 300 CE) was brought to the ICA for cleaning and to treat the orange-brown stains typical of archaeological burial. The surface was meticulously cleaned to eliminate built-up soil, followed by targeted poulticing techniques to diminish the stains. The treatment enhanced the visibility of the carved details while preserving the object's character and signs of age.
Libraries & Archives
Conservation and Collections Care for Academic and Public Institutions
From rare books and manuscripts to architectural drawings, maps, and university collections, we help collegiate collections, libraries, and archives protect and preserve their important records and objects. We routinely collaborate with major institutions such as the Cleveland Public Library, as well as smaller city, county, and university libraries and special collections across Ohio and the surrounding region.
Project Highlight - Chinese Accordion Book
Ohio State University Libraries
Treatment Summary: This 1890s Chinese accordion book came to ICA with signs of wear, including tears, light foxing, water damage, and evidence of old mold growth. The red ink on the printed cover is water-soluble and had bled throughout the text block, tinting the lower half of each page pink. The text block was removed from the cover and the pages washed to reduce the red staining. Tears throughout the book were repaired using thin Japanese tissue, and the spine was reinforced for added stability.
Historical Societies & Community Collections
Preserving Local History, One Object at a Time
Community organizations often steward a regimental flag, a township ledger, or a blacksmith bellows; items that carry deep local meaning. ICA provides approachable guidance, clear cost ranges, and realistic timelines so small teams can make confident decisions. We work to help organizations across the region, from Bay Village, OH to Saegertown, PA, care for artifacts that tell local stories.
Project Highlight - The "Butler County Flag"
Butler County Historical Society
Treatment Summary: The regimental silk color of the 35th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, carried into battle during the Civil War, underwent extensive conservation treatment, beginning with careful unrolling, surface cleaning, and humidification to realign distorted fibers and stabilize fragile fringe. Structural damages were consolidated using dyed silk underlays and sheer overlays, while detached embroidered components were reshaped, supported, and reintegrated. Following stabilization, the color was encapsulated between protective tulle layers and meticulously stitched to create a unified, stable structure. The conserved textile was then mounted onto a custom-built support and framed for long-term display.
Client quote: “Our experience in working with ICA in the conservation of our local regiment's Civil War flag was absolutely beyond our expectations. The amount of care and detail put into rescuing this 160-year piece of history was tremendous. Initially, there was doubt that the flag could be saved due to its advanced state of deterioration, but after painstaking efforts, the finished product is a true gem to behold. We owe ICA our deepest gratitude in preserving this important piece of local, state, and national history.” — Brian Smith, Executive Director
Private Collectors & Families
Art Conservation for Collectors and Heirloom Care for Families
Whether you’re building a collection or preserving a keepsake like a family portrait, wedding dress, WWII flight cap, or contents of a time capsule, we treat each item with the same care afforded to institutional works. For clients across the Midwest and nationwide, we offer free consultations, preservation advice, and clear next steps. From Cleveland Heights to Indianapolis, and Buffalo to Madison, our goal is simple: keep the pieces you love ready to share with the next generation.
Project highlight - Gandalf figurine
Collection of Jacob Rupp
Treatment Summary: This cast resin concept sculpture depicting the wizard Gandalf as featured in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films arrived in eight fragments, the result of inadequate packing during transit. ICA reassembled the sculpture, securing it with conservation-grade adhesive. All visible break lines were then filled and inpainted, seamlessly integrating repairs with the surrounding resin to recover the figure’s original appearance. The treatment successfully returned the iconic wizard to a stable and visually unified state, ready for display.
Client quote: “ICA-Art Conservation summoned more magic than all five wizards of Middle-Earth combined to bring this Gandalf back to life! Originally, this statue was in worse shape than when Boromir was full of arrows. Now I cherish this work of art even more than the One Ring. I could not be a happier Hobbit!” — Jake Rupp
Special Projects & Installation
Complex Projects, Custom Solutions, and Collaborative Work
Not every project fits neatly into a category—and that’s where ICA excels. Beyond traditional conservation treatments, we partner with institutions, artists, and organizations on specialized projects that require creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and close collaboration. Whether supporting a national institution or a single meaningful object, we approach each project with the same museum-quality standards and thoughtful care.
Crate: Telescope (2025.029)
Project Summary: This 19th-century brass terrestrial telescope was brought to in overall good condition; however, the brass had oxidized and there were minor dents and scratches. After overall cleaning and working with an antique telescope specialist to repair both internal and external components, ICA created a custom shipping crate to get the delicate instrument to a Florida residence. Creating a custom art shipping crate is a highly considered process that balances protection, stability, and environmental control. Each crate is designed specifically for the object it houses, considering its size, weight, materials, and any inherent vulnerabilities. Archival, inert materials such as sealed foams, polyethylene cushioning, and acid-free barriers are used to create an internal support system tailored to the object.
Install: Summa Health Systems, Display to honor the Women’s Board (2025.031)
Project Summary: A collection of objects honoring the century of service by the Women’s Board of Summa Health was carefully evaluated to identify conservation priorities and prepare the material for exhibition. ICA staff developed tailored mounting solutions for each object, balancing physical support with a clean, cohesive presentation. Select items received targeted conservation treatment, while all objects were stabilized and prepared for display. The collection was then thoughtfully installed within a vertical case, resulting in a secure, visually engaging presentation that highlights the significance of the material.
Install: Pedestal for large map (2025.074)
United Church of Christ
Treatment Summary: Designed to showcase an 1882 map of the United Church of Christ’s mission site in Turkey, this bespoke display pedestal was created for the UCC archives exhibition at the Church’s Cleveland headquarters. Due to the map’s size, the pedestal was carefully constructed from multiple components, and our team expertly installed both the pedestal and the map, ensuring a seamless and secure presentation.
How We Work
A Clear, Documented Process You Can Trust
Every project begins with an examination and written condition report. You will receive a treatment proposal, timeline, and care recommendations tailored to the object and its intended use, be it display, teaching, or loan.. Treatments are documented in writing and images. For large or delicate works, we offer on-site assessments across Ohio and the Great Lakes corridor, with coordinated transportation when travel is required.
Regional Reach
Rooted in Cleveland, Serving the Midwest—and Beyond
Headquartered on Lake Erie’s North Coast, ICA supports clients throughout Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati), western Pennsylvania,, Indiana ), and neighboring states, with national service available. Our central location means you will receive responsive scheduling and local insight, while our national work extends the same standards to partners across the country.
FAQ: Answers for Institutions and Individuals
We’re a small museum without a conservator. Can ICA help?
Yes. We routinely partner with museums that do not have in-house labs, providing assessments, treatment proposals, grant-ready documentation, and treatments for selected pieces or rotating needs. This gives your team access to art conservation services without adding permanent staff.
Do you work with private art collectors and families?
Absolutely! Share photos and details of your piece with our talented team, and we’ll outline next steps. Many items can be brought to our Cleveland lab; for larger works, we can advise on transport or arrange an on-site visit when feasible. Every piece receives careful handling and clear communication.
Can one organization handle different types of objects?
Yes. ICA treats paintings, works on paper, textiles, and objects. Projects that involve multiple materials are coordinated under one plan, so you receive a single, integrated proposal and schedule.
We’re located outside Ohio. How does that work?
We serve institutions and private clients across the Midwest and nationwide. Items can be shipped with our packing guidance; for murals, sculptures, or large collections, we travel for assessments and, when appropriate, on-site treatment.
Do you offer training for staff or volunteers?
Yes. Education is an integral part of our mission. We provide workshops and consultations on handling, environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, and exhibit preparation—helping your team care for collections day-to-day.
