Our Story

"Our vision is for a sustainable and resilient conservation community, where the achievements of the profession are valued and recognized for providing a wider benefit to society and its future". 

Julian Bickersteth, President IIC

As an independent international professional society IIC is uniquely positioned in the world. We believe conservation is of great value, by looking after our cultural heritage and our own and others’ cultural identity we are helping to improve the richness and quality of life for everyone.

IIC was founded in 1950 by a group of men and women who witnessed dramatic events during WW2.  A number of them were part of the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives programme and they were involved in saving internationally important historic and artistic works from being lost forever, they became known as the Monuments Men.

Today we have a strong global network of distinguished Fellows, members and Institutions representing more than 70 countries. We have close relationships with thousands of Conservators and heritage professionals internationally.

IIC has over 7,000 engaged supporters and 40,000 social media contacts globally. We have long-established partnerships with leading museums, universities and heritage bodies all around the world.

Our vision, mission and values is set out in more detail in IIC's Strategy 2030.

Our Purpose and Aims

We are an independent international professional institute and learned society. We bring together conservation professionals from around the world, educating, enabling and recognising excellence. 

This commitment drives everything we do – from our intellectually stimulating Congresses to activities specifically tailored to capture the imagination and curiosity of student conservators. Our Studies in Conservation records and publishes the latest developments in the field, our enquiry-led Dialogues host discussions and the development of new ideas, our Awards recognise and celebrate the greatest achievements and promote the work of conservation professionals for the common good, and our highly sought after Fellowships and Honorary Memberships acknowledge the status and contribution of the highest achievers of the profession.

IIC aims to co-ordinate and improve the knowledge, methods and working standards needed to protect and preserve the integrity of any objects or structures which because of their history, significance, rarity or workmanship have a commonly accepted value and importance for the common good.

Please join us and become part of the international community that is IIC  

Statement of Responsibility

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy none of the IIC or its Council, officers, staff or volunteers can accept any responsibility for the content published in or through this web-site and social media channels, and give no representation or assurance in relation to it. The opinions stated in individual articles or notices with named authors belong to those author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the IIC, its officers or Council. No responsibility or liability is assumed or accepted by the IIC or its Council, officers, staff or volunteers for any injury and/or damage as a result of the application of any method, product, instructions, ideas or other content published in or through this web-site, or via IIC's social media channels. Inclusion of a product or treatment published in or through this web-site or its social media channels, does not imply endorsement of the product or treatment.

Legal structure

IIC is The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, is a learned society, a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 27th April 1950 in England and Wales (No. 481522), is registered with the Charity Commission (No. 209677) and is registered for VAT (No. GB 241 0811 10). The company was established under its Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

IIC's Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association (as well as other core documents) may be found here: https://www.iiconservation.org/about/core-documents

Privacy Statements

IIC is a subscriber to the UK Information Commissioner's Data Protection Registry. See IIC's Privacy statements for additional details on privacy.