Paper and Books

CONSERVATION & RESTORATION

Heritage preservation projects knowledge, art and technology from the past to the future, keeping the thread of history alive.

SERVICES

  • Diagnosis, conservation and restoration interventions of artworks as well as paper, parchment and leather documents, in two-dimensional formats (drawings, paintings, engravings, handwritten and printed documentation), and three-dimensional (books, globes, folding screens and scroll paintings of Asian origin), including other formats and typologies.

  • Diagnosis and development of conservation projects for public and private archives and collections, based on their specific study. This includes assembling specialized teams, procuring necessary materials and equipment, defining intervention phases, and implementing procedures.

  • Assessment of the conservation status of artworks for temporary exhibitions, diagnosis and execution of condition reports for institutions, artists and private collectors. Additionally, providing guidance on proper procedures for fixing, assembling, framing and displaying works.

  • Technical and specialized guidance on materials used by artists and publishers, focusing on ensuring the stability, preservation, and longevity of their works.

WORKS OF REFERENCE

I work independently for institutions, specialized companies, private clients, artists and publishers.

For several decades, I have managed a studio in Lisbon specialized in heritage preservation.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT

Intervention on a Celestial Globe.

Project carried out in a multidisciplinary team at the current José de Figueiredo Laboratory - Museums and Monuments of Portugal. A pair of library globes manufactured in 1825 and 1826, by John Addison & Co., underwent a conservation treatment, for the Aula Náutica do Porto. The pair of Globes are part of the Collection of the Science Museum of the University of Porto.

TESTIMONIALS

  • "Professionally demanding, Isabel reciprocates in each intervention the best of herself. In addition to her rigor, seriousness and knowledge orientation, aimed for excellent results, I see a complete dedication in her practice - body, gesture and thought. In what was apparently simple, we shared the extraordinary; in what was apparently complex, we shared lightness. She has always revealed an ethical and a rare elevation towards the act of intervention as well as a technical and scientific posture, only possible through her broad experience and knowledge."

    — Inês Correia

    Conservator-restorer of manuscripts and historical bindings.

  • "I had the pleasure of counting on Isabel's collaboration as a Conservator-Restorer, on a particularly complex project under very difficult conditions, and I was impressed with her performance. Isabel is an exceptionally rigorous and competent professional, demonstrating deep technical knowledge in Conservation and Restoration of works of art, with special emphasis on paper and books. I highlight her friendliness, organization and availability, as well as the ability to propose solutions in problem solving, all while working within tight deadlines and without compromising the quality of the work. I highly recommend her work, both individually and as a team, on any project that requires expertise in Conservation and Restoration. Working with her was a truly rewarding experience.”

    — Joana Marçal Grilo

    Gulbenkian Culture Production, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

  • "The work of Isabel Zarazúa is of the most outstanding quality. For several times, and in different institutions, I had to use her expertise in restoration and conservation of paper works, or just counselling. In all the situations she had the best approach, analyzing the problems and finding the best solutions, either dealing with photography or drawing. Her capacity of explaining every step of the process has always been a guaranty of how reliable her interventions are."

    — Delfim Sardo

  • "Isabel has collaborated with Faz Parte on several projects that involve graphic support, and we have had very happy results. Our longest collaboration was on a conservation and restoration project of about 300 books belonging to the Banco de Portugal's antique book collection, where Isabel supervised the technical coordination. Her intensive search for best solutions regarding each specimen and the rigor of every intervention, are qualities that portray Isabel, and that is why Faz Parte appreciates her collaboration.”

    — Bruna Pereira de Oliveira

    Team Leader from Faz Parte Conservation and Restoration

  • "I was introduced to Isabel Zarazúa through a recommendation from a professional colleague at a public cultural institution renowned for its significant art collection, including works on paper by national artists. I sought her expertise to address improper handling and fixing techniques applied to drawings on paper by an artist I was collaborating with at the time. Since our first contact, Isabel Zarazúa responded promptly and cordially. She has solid knowledge in ​​conservation and handling of paper objects. I confirmed the efficiency, seriousness and clarity with which she carries out the proposed tasks and challenges. Creative in her search and application of knowledge, Isabel adjusts methods and techniques to each specific situation. Certainly, a professional that I respect and recommend.”

    — Denise Cunha Silva

    Independent exhibition producer and cultural programmer

  • "My encounter with Isabel Zarazúa Astigarraga took place in 2008 at the José de Figueiredo Institute, where we shared various experiences and interests in ​​conservation and restoration, with a special collaboration between 2018 and 2022, when we developed work on Asian composite objects. Throughout this period, I was able to highlight her specific skills in the area, always searching for solutions to complex problems, and always available to share knowledge or deliberate more appropriate solutions. I would also like to emphasize her unwavering generosity, team spirit, and professional determination. I wholeheartedly recommend her specialized work, as she is an outstanding professional."

    —Ulrike Körber

    Conservator-Restorer of Asian furniture and lacquers

“With decades of specialized experience, my focus is on finding the best solution for each project, each work and each collection in storage or exhibition environment.”