History belongs to everyone:
What we preserve reflects what we value.
Applied Conservation Studio (ACS) is a full-service sculpture and decorative arts conservation studio based in Philadelphia. Led by AIC Professional Conservators, each with more than 20 years of hands-on experience, we combine cultural heritage conservation with industrial fabrication capabilities to conserve objects ranging from small decorative arts objects to architectural elements and monumental public sculpture.
ACS Approach
Conservation at Every Scale:
Applied Conservation Studio (ACS) specializes in the conservation of sculpture, monuments, and the decorative arts. We combine the principles of conservation with expertise in fabrication, rigging, engineering coordination, and installation to solve complex preservation challenges that extend beyond the scope of many traditional conservation practices.
From initial assessment and treatment through fabrication, transportation, installation, and final documentation, we manage every stage of a project’s lifecycle with technical precision and careful planning.
Whether preserving a single artifact or restoring a monumental public sculpture, we approach every project with the same commitment to craftsmanship, scientific rigor, respect for the object’s history and adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics.
Studios & In-house Capabilities
Operating from two Philadelphia-based studios, Applied Conservation Studio combines best practice conservation with specialized fabrication, treatment, and installation capabilities within one organization.
Our in-house capabilities include:
Condition assessment and treatment planning
Structural treatment and repair for metals, stone, ceramics, glass, wood, and composite materials
Certified Rigging (level I & II), deinstallation, transportation, and installation
Mount-making and casting
Metal fabrication, welding, foundry work, and precious metals fabrication
Advanced cleaning technologies including laser cleaning, dry ice blasting, CO₂ snow cleaning, dry steam cleaning, and wet abrasive blasting
Rather than dividing projects among multiple contractors, ACS manages the entire conservation process with one coordinated team, ensuring continuity, and quality from initial assessment through final documentation.
Projects at a Glance
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![Conservation technician at airport]()
Ava Blitz "Pink" Mosaic, Philadelphia Int Airport
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![Laser cleaning of wall]()
Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater, Pennsylvania
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![Athena sculpture conservation at Duke Farms]()
Athena, Duke Farms, New Jersey
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![Rocky statute indoors at airport]()
Rocky, Philadelphia Int Airport
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![outdoor red sculpture]()
Paul Sisko, "Fractured Half-Circle," Ursinus College
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![Lamp posts]()
The Supreme Court of the United States
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![pafa glob]()
Claes Oldenburg, Paint Torch, Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts
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![Artist standing next to sculpture]()
Anthony P. Bayne, Sr. "Galaxyscape Zone," Philadelphia
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![A relief sculpture depicting a mythological scene with several human figures and a lion, currently in the process of being carved from stone, with tools and workbenches visible nearby.]()
The Rosenbach Museum and Garden, Terra Cotta Relief
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![Conservators working on a mosaic sculpture]()
Princeton University Art Museum, Seasons Mosaic
Conservation is best understood in person.
We welcome visitors by appointment to tour our Philadelphia studios, see active conservation projects firsthand, and meet the team behind the work. Whether you’re exploring a potential project or simply interested in the field, we’d be glad to show you around.