Conservation-restoration, also referred to as conservation, is a profession devoted to the preservation of cultural heritage

Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...

 for the future. Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care

Preventive conservation

Preventive conservation is a specialization within the conservation profession, and it addresses concerns which apply to all disciplines within the field...

. All of this work is supported by research and education.
The traditional definition of the role of the conservator involves the examination, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage

Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...

 using "any methods that prove effective in keeping that property in as close to its original condition as possible for as long as possible."

However, today the definition of the role of conservation has widened and would more accurately be described as that of ethical stewardship

Stewardship

Stewardship is an ethic that embodies responsible planning and management of resources. The concept of stewardship has been applied in diverse realms, including with respect to environment, economics, health, property, information, and religion, and is linked to the concept of sustainability...

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The conservator applies some simple ethical guidelines, such as:

• Minimal intervention.
• Appropriate materials and methods that aim to be reversible to reduce possible problems with future treatment, investigation, and use.
• Full documentation of all work undertaken.

In order for the conservator to apply their professional expertise accordingly, they must take into account the views of the stakeholder, the values

Values (heritage)

The values embodied in cultural heritage are identified in order to assess significance, prioritize resources, and inform conservation decision-making...

 and meaning of the object

Preservation of meaning

Preservation of meaning in library, archival or museum collections involves understanding spiritual, ritual, or cultural perceptions of value for specific objects, and ensuring these values are maintained and respected...

, and the physical needs of the material, in order to decide upon an appropriate conservation strategy.
The tradition of conservation in Europe some consider to have begun in 1565 with the restoration of the Sistine Chapel frescoes

Restoration of the Sistine Chapel frescoes

The restoration of the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel was one of the most significant art restorations of the 20th century.The Sistine Chapel was built by Pope Sixtus IV within the Vatican immediately to the north of St. Peter's Basilica and completed in about 1481...

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The care for cultural patrimony has a long history within traditions of fixing and mending objects, and in individual restorations of artworks.