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International Conservation Services - ICS

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International Conservation Services - ICS

ICS conserves artworks, antiques, artefacts & other objects of cultural and heritage significance

12/06/2026

❤️ The original red tunic with gilded edging was reinstated to dramatic effect on the Sacred Heart Jesus sculpture at the Mary Mackillop Memorial Chapel in North Sydney.

The vibrant red is a return to the traditional symbolism of Christ’s passion and earthly sacrifice, replacing later cream overpainting that muted its presence.

As a traditional physical focal point for prayers and reflection in the Catholic faith, the restored colours give a renewed sense of majesty.

10/06/2026

⛪The Last Supper, a polychrome cast plaster relief of Jesus and followers, sits under the central altar, a beacon at the front of the Mary Mackillop Memorial Chapel, Sydney.

When conservator Alis Jitarescu, Principal, Decorative Arts & Murals arrived, the sculpture was peeling and flaking, the paint cupping and tenting.

After treatment, this beautiful relief was returned to its original aspect, and will draw the visitors’ attention for all the right reasons.

04/06/2026

Art and heritage have often been a target for social activism 🥫

In 2022, climate activists splashed tomato soup on Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers. Two years earlier, the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was toppled and removed, during protests in Bristol. These are just a couple of well-known examples.

But what is the conservator’s role within this dynamic? Especially if the individual tasked with conservation has sympathy for the cause?

These are the questions explored by Julian Bickersteth AO, CEO of International Conservation Services, in his latest article ‘Heritage in an Age of Activism’ >> https://lnkd.in/gWfvkxpb

Image: Only the feet remain. The plinth where the bronze statue of William Crowther, the controversial former Premier of Tasmania, once stood, before being toppled in protest.

18/05/2026

The thrill of a win 🏆

Julian Bickersteth AO and the conservation team behind our nominated projects attended last week's National Trust NSW Heritage Awards ceremony in Pyrmont.

We are delighted to share that several of our projects made it to the podium!

Winner of the Objects and Interiors category…
Q Station Inscriptions Conservation, Manly – entered by Q Station and International Conservation Services: https://lnkd.in/eVkqa2VC

AND Highly commended in the same category…
The Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, Haymarket – entered by City of Sydney: https://lnkd.in/e_vbx2vm

Not to forget the Architecture Award Winner...
The Lands by Capella – entered by Hassell in collaboration with Purcell Architecture. This adaptive reuse project in the heart of Sydney’s CBD was the result of many minds and many hands coming together. ICS contributed through paint analysis to determine historic paint schemes, along with assessments of internal finishes, helping inform and support the broader conservation and restoration process.

It is always impressive to see the quality of projects over the last year in Sydney and NSW, and to be in their number is humbling.
A big congratulations to all involved!🙌

Images:
1: Dr Shrief Eissa, Alis Jitarescu, Julian Bickersteth AO
4: The Dream Team – Julian Bickersteth AO, Matt Crawford (Crawfords Casting), Jenny Snowdon, Alis Jitarescu, Dr Shrief Eissa, Richard Silink, Keir Bayley

13/05/2026

2 days till the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Heritage Awards…

The ICS team is looking forward to this great annual opportunity to celebrate best practice heritage conservation, not least because we are involved in 3 projects shortlisted in the same category!

Asking which one we would like to win is akin to asking a parent which is their favourite child.

So in no order of preference, our nominated projects for the Interiors and Objects category are:

Q Station Inscriptions Conservation, Manly – entered by Q Station and International Conservation Services: https://tinyurl.com/3rj6fsax

'Joy' Statue Darlinghurst - entered by City of Sydney: https://tinyurl.com/4nkrpw2s

Chinatown Ceremonial Gates, Haymarket – entered by City of Sydney: https://tinyurl.com/ycx9v9nm

11/05/2026

From the conservation lab to the gallery wall...

It’s been a few months since the Newcastle Art Gallery reopened to fanfare, proudly displaying its $40 million expansion.
Now the dust has settled, it is time to celebrate and share the 2 years it took to bring the artworks to this momentous moment.
Starting in May 2024 and continuing until the gallery’s reopening, ICS has been working behind the scenes to assess the collection and ready it for its new space.
300 treated artworks later, and our teams from Sydney and Melbourne were thrilled to stand next to the artworks they conserved in the new gallery spaces.
The project: https://lnkd.in/gR8tR88g
Photos:
Alis Jitarescu, Principal Conservator, Paintings & Decorative Arts, Sydney
Francesca Elias, Painting Conservator, Sydney
Eden Christian, Senior Conservator & Team Leader, Fine Arts, Melbourne

04/05/2026

We were thrilled to welcome members of the National Trust Victoria for a tour of the ICS Melbourne laboratory in Burwood. 🔬🖼️

Members were able to see artworks up close and ask questions while the conservators talked about current treatments, including a few pieces from the National Trust!

24/04/2026

Ready for Anzac Day 🌱

“Sailors and Ships” by Ante Dabro, located on Anzac Parade in Canberra, stands as the Royal Australian Navy Memorial. The bronze sculpture honours the service and sacrifice of naval personnel, both those who have lost their lives and those who continue to serve.
ICS Canberra worked with BGIS and the NCA to prepare the memorial for the 2026 Anzac Day services and parades. The memorial plays a central role in the National Commemorative Service and the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March each Anzac Day.
Today, the memorial stands proud, ready for its day of remembrance.
Lest we forget.

22/04/2026

A rare National Trust NSW musical manuscript brought back to life 🎵

A handwritten 1734 music manuscript with a fascinating history recently underwent conservation at ICS to clean and ensure its longevity.

Carefully compiled in the 1730s by two young women of the Scottish upper classes, Margrat Arthour and Helen Wight. It was rediscovered over 200 years later at Riversdale Homestead in Goulburn – tucked away inside a piano.

Now conserved, the manuscript is on display at Riversdale, where visitors can explore its origins and the remarkable story of the women behind it, connected through their love of music.

Learn more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/event/baroque-scottish-music-at-riversdale/
Photo credit: The manuscript and piano by Nick Nicholson
The conservation funded by the Copland Foundation.

Address

53 Victoria Avenue
Chatswood, NSW
2067

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.icsconservation.com.au/

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