About Us
Beneath Art Research and Conservation Labs (BARC Labs) is a fine art conservation startup proudly founded in Singapore by Dr Diana Tay. Our mission is to better collection care through our conservation services and research initiatives while upholding sustainability in our efforts. We are in it for the long run.
When we first started thinking about how conservation can make space within the local art ecosystem, we focused our efforts on the people we work with, and are working for. How can we offer greater value to our clients and leave a lasting impact on future generations? It became clear that collection care encompasses far more than restoration. We are committed to fostering meaningful relationships, providing accessibility to material and technical research, championing research initiatives, and devoting time to public outreach and education.
Meet our Founder
Diana’s conservation practice first started in 2009 at the National Heritage Board Singapore. However, as she trained under renowned international conservators, she couldn't help but notice a critical gap: the absence of a deep understanding of local art practices. Driven by this realization, Diana's practice evolved to embrace a unique perspective, blending global conservation approaches with a strong focus on local considerations. This glocal approach forms the foundation of her sustainable approach to conservation in the region. BARC Labs is everything that Diana stands for - a relentless curiosity to uncover knowledge and a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of collaborative efforts.
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Paintings conservator
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Diana has had the privilege and opportunity to work with museums, galleries, education institutes and world-class private collections across Singapore, Australia Indonesia, and the Philippines. In addition, she has collaborated with leading international institutions such as TATE Britain and QAGOMA Australia during her practice. Her PhD research pioneered the use of machine learning on technical examination analysis of Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen paintings.
Paintings conservator
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Keziah has worked with museums, institutions and conservation studios in Singapore and the United Kingdom. With a Masters in conservation and a background in art history, Keziah approaches conservation with a concern for the historicity, technicality and materiality of an artwork. Her forward-thinking approach has also led her to begin research on digital fabrication technologies and their potential uses in painting conservation.
Paper conservator (Project)
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Lex has 15 years of experience working in archives and on paper- based fine art in Philippines and Singapore. He holds a Masters specialising in paper conservation from the University of Melbourne and has volunteered in several key damage response projects throughout his practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We figured you may have some questions so we’ve curated a compilation of our most frequently asked questions to provide you with a helpful starting point.
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The time required to complete conservation treatment varies considerably based on the scale and complexity of work. Treatment turnaround can range from a few days to a few months. The typical turnaround for a standard project is approximately one to two months.
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The conservator’s intention is to preserve the integrity of the artwork. For us, this means that the approaches we take consider how much intervention can be undertaken and the amount of unoriginal media we put during the process. This all depends on the loss and deterioration the work of art has undergone. We strictly do not practice painting over original paint.
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Our insurance covers our business and premises but not for your artworks as they’re not our assets. Most of our clients have their insurance representative organise a policy for the duration of the treatment. We’re happy to fill in any paperwork that they’ll need. Get in touch if you have more questions
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We know the cost of conservation can be quite daunting, especially when it is industry practice to provide estimates by the hour. We are confident in our practice and offer fixed rates for treatments, even if it takes longer. It's important to note that the cost will vary depending on factors such as the artwork's size, the complexity of damage, and the level of degradation. Prices start from SGD$300 and can range to a few thousands. We do not price based on the value of artwork. Please send us an email with details of the artworks for cost estimates.
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Conservation, when executed correctly, has the potential to preserve or even increase the value of your artwork. By employing meticulous conservation practices that prioritize respect for the artist's intent and original materials, we ensure the long-term preservation of your artwork. Following conservation, artworks can regain their value (be it financial, personal, historical), which may have previously compromised due to damage.
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Embarking on the path to becoming a conservator can be quite an unconventional one, especially in Singapore. This often requires several years of benchwork practice and degree in art conservation from an accredited institution. While backgrounds in art and science are often prerequisites for most programs, it's important to note that conservation is an interdisciplinary field, welcoming diverse paths to becoming a valuable industry partner. If you're curious to learn more about the fascinating world of conservation and explore the myriad ways you can contribute, let's engage in a conversation!