The Restorer's Day is a professional holiday established in Russia by the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. Conservation of architectural monuments, paintings and frescoes, ancient sculptures, musical instruments and household items that belong to historical and cultural heritage is the concern of all humankind. Professionals confront the merciless time and forces of nature, which are gradually destroying cultural and historical values. Every year we heartily congratulate all restorers and specialists of the museum Collection Restoration Centre in particular. Restorers belong to the special professional caste of people who know how to keep in its original form old and ancient works of art, representing material, cultural, historical or scientific value, for posterity. The word restoration (“restavratio”) is translated from Latin as regeneration, restitution or reviving. The very existence of this term in Latin testifies about the antiquity of the profession. Historians and experts have disclosed a lot of evidence that this kind of activity there stemmed before Christ (BC).

The profession of restorer is chosen by people who are showing great interest in arts. It becomes a mission for them, the chance to work with ancient objects being the main advantage. Over time, the rendering of the restoration work principles has become complex. Nowadays, it is based on extensive scientific background and verified methods that are implemented. After all, the task is not at all to ensure that the old thing looks like the new one. Craftsmen are working to preserve the original vision of the author. Today, those who are capable to restore the heritage items up to their initial appearance are employed in both cultural and commercial spheres. Nowadays, special attention is paid not to the aesthetics of the object configuration and appearance, hence to the preservation of its historical authenticity. Such techniques are implemented in museums, thus restorers are working hand to hand with historians.

Back in the 19th century, there was no clear division between restoration, "renovation" and maintenance. Nowadays, the difference between restoration and reconstruction is clearly illustrated by the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour: although the blown up church was restored taking into account its previous forms, in fact it was completely rebuilt.

Restorers resemble surgeons. Without any exaggeration, we can say that the principle “do no harm” (Hippocratic mandate) should be considered the main principle of their scrupulous work. Any historical monument – architectural or temple objects, arts and crafts or musical mechanics - is a fragile organism with centuries-old historical layers. That is why the necessity of any interference with its structure should be considered carefully. Summarily, without analyzing specific methods and approaches that are used in the profession, restorers can be considered the people whose experience and professionalism assist to preserve our history and material culture.

Any professional holiday is a lovefest. We congratulate the specialists of the museum Collection Restoration Center and restorers from various museum institutions on their professional holiday. Please accept our sincere words of gratitude for your needful work, the development of restoration skills and preservation of cultural heritage.
We wish you creative growth, patience in your meticulous work, new discoveries and amazing findings!