Custodia Co. provides specialist conservation services for cultural institutions, collectors, and community organisations -- with honesty, skill, and deep respect for original material.
We are building something larger -- but right now, these are the services we offer. Each one is provided with the same standard of care: methodical, ethical, and guided by what is best for the object.
01
Condition Reporting
Thorough, documented assessments of an object's current state. Suitable for acquisitions, loans, insurance, and collection audits. Clear language, no jargon.
02
Minor Conservation
Stabilisation, surface cleaning, minor repairs, and preventive treatments. We intervene only as much as necessary -- and always document what we do and why.
03
Object Mounting
Custom mounts and supports for display and storage. Designed to protect the object's structure, reduce stress, and allow safe handling over the long term.
04
Custom Storage Solutions
Bespoke storage designed around the object, not the shelf. We specify and source archival-quality materials as a matter of course -- acid-free, inert, and built to last as long as the things they protect.
Archival-quality materials are our baseline, not an upgrade. Where a choice exists between what is cheaper and what is better for the object, we will always recommend the latter -- and explain why.
Have an object that needs care?
We are happy to discuss your collection, answer questions, or provide a quote. All enquiries are welcome -- no project is too small.
We begin every project from a conservation principle -- assessing what the object needs, understanding its history, and determining when restoration of parts is appropriate and justified.
Our foundation
Conservation as guiding principle.
Conservation is our starting point for every object. We stabilise, protect, and preserve original material -- doing as little as necessary, and ensuring everything we do is documented. Where possible, we work with materials and methods that support future treatment.
Original material is preserved wherever possible
All interventions are fully documented
The object's history -- including signs of age -- is respected
Stability and longevity guide every decision
When it is appropriate
Restoration as considered tool.
Restoration of parts -- replacing lost material, reintegrating missing elements, returning an object to a functional or coherent state -- is sometimes the right choice. We assess each situation carefully and discuss our recommendations with you before proceeding.
Justified when it serves the object's long-term integrity
Always discussed and agreed with the owner first
Documented fully alongside all other treatments
Context, use, and the owner's wishes all inform the decision
How we work
Our approach to every object
Before we touch anything, we look and we document. We assess the object's condition, understand its history, and consider what the owner or institution actually needs. Then we discuss our recommendations -- clearly, without assumption.
We do not over-intervene. The patina of age, the evidence of use, the slight irregularities that tell an object's story -- these are not flaws to be corrected. They are part of what makes the object meaningful. Our job is to protect that, not override it.
Every treatment we carry out is recorded. You will always know what was done, with what materials, and why. This is standard ethical practice -- and it protects the object's future as much as its present.
"Every decision begins with the object -- its history, its condition, and what it needs to survive. That is what guides us. Everything else follows from there."
-- Custodia Co.
Our work
Before & after.
Each project is different. These are some of the objects we have cared for -- documented to show what conservation actually looks like in practice.
Before
Photo coming soon
After
Photo coming soon
Object title
Service type · Material · Year
A brief description of the condition issue, the approach taken, and the outcome.
Before
Photo coming soon
After
Photo coming soon
Object title
Service type · Material · Year
A brief description of the condition issue, the approach taken, and the outcome.
Before
Photo coming soon
After
Photo coming soon
Object title
Service type · Material · Year
A brief description of the condition issue, the approach taken, and the outcome.
Before
Photo coming soon
After
Photo coming soon
Object title
Service type · Material · Year
A brief description of the condition issue, the approach taken, and the outcome.
More work will be added here as projects are completed. If you would like to discuss a project -- hello@custodia.co
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you have an object that needs care, a question about conservation, or just want to find out more about what we do -- please reach out.
Email us
The simplest way to get started.
Tell us about your object -- what it is, what condition it's in, and what you're hoping for. We'll come back to you with thoughts and a no-obligation quote. No project is too small.
ServingACT, NSW, and surrounds -- remote consultations available
ResponseWe aim to reply within two business days
Coming soon
Request a quote online
We are building an online form where you can describe your object and submit photos directly for a conservation quote. In the meantime, a quick email works just as well -- we are very good at replying.
Archival materials
Suppliers we trust.
Archival-quality materials protect objects over the long term. This is our curated list of suppliers -- chosen for the quality of their products and their understanding of conservation standards.
All materials listed meet or exceed archival standards
Australian suppliers
Preservation Equipment Australia
Australia-wide
Acid-free boxes, folders, tissue, polyester film, and a broad range of archival storage solutions. The most comprehensive archival supplier in Australia.
Custodia Co. recommends these suppliers based on the quality of their products and their alignment with conservation standards. We may earn a referral fee from some suppliers -- this never influences our recommendations. We will always tell you which option is best for your object.