Conservation around the Millennium [antikvár]

EDITORIALA periodical MŰTÁRGYVÉDELEM (PROTECTION OF ART OBJECTS), in which Hungárián 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 Hungárián National Museum.These volumes were published in Hungárián 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 alsó of our problems.Restorers with experience of many years and young colleagues fresh out of university have contributed to this volume. Hungárián 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 alsó 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.