How was the conservator chosen?
From the beginning, and despite press scepticism, the Fitzwilliam’s small conservation team were confident the vases could be restored. However the Museum only has two conservators who work with ‘three dimensional’ objects (the others dealing with ‘flat’ art such as paintings, paper and manuscripts) and their work schedules were already full. This would be a long, time-consuming job. The work would need to be done by a specialist independent conservator. It would also be expensive. Happily, soon after news of the smash was reported, local firm Hewitsons Solicitors offered to sponsor the restoration.
