Conservation around the Millennium (Hungarian National Museum, 2001)

Pages - 5

EDITORIAL

A periodical MŰTÁRGYVÉDELEM (PROTECTION OF ART OBJECTS), in which Hungarian restorers and conservation scientists publish their work has been edited annually since 1970 first by the Central Directorate of Museums and, since 1991, by the Hungarian National Museum.

These volumes were published in Hungarian with English abstracts. Not far yet from the turn of the millennium, we would like to offer an insight view for foreign readers of the work and results we have accomplished in recent years and also of our problems.

Restorers with experience of many years and young colleagues fresh out of university have contributed to this volume. Hungarian restorer training on a university level owes a lot to the recently deceased Dr. Ágnes Timár-Balázsy, whose professional activity was known and acknowledged all over the world. Her last article, which has not yet been published in English, is also included.

The studies in this volume illustrate how important extensive classical and scientific knowledge has become alongside with the skilled hands. Without this knowledge it would be difficult to chose the appropriate treatments and materials that can save and preserve the art objects. Besides, much information on art history and manufacturing technology surfaces during the process of restoration.

We hope that the present volume will give a faithful image of the colourful restoration activity in Hungary and will be worth of the attention of the readers.

5