In a general sense, to restore something means to return it to a former state. Shorter Oxford Dictionary (1824): "The process of carrying out alterations or repairs with the idea of restoring a building to something like its original form". This definition […] emphasizes that the object is restored to its 'original' state, which is not always the case: not only can the notion of original be quite problematic (many objects have been elaborated by different authors over time), but the objective of many restorations is only to attempt to return the object to a better, less damaged state, which may not be the state the object was in when it was originated. This is the idea behind definitions such as that of the Museums and Galleries Commission, for which restoration is 'all action taken to modify the existing materials and structure of cultural property to represent a known earlier state' (MGC, 1994) [...] Restoration can be defined as the action that attempts to modify an object's perceivable features. Curiously, this idea underlies the 1824 ediiton of the Shorter Oxford Dictionary definition, because it recalls that 'form' is what is restored - not the inner structures, nor the original materials or functions.
Munoz Vinas, 2005, p. 16 - 17, p. 20
Process of making changes to an object or structure so that it will closely approximate its state at a specific time in its history. For changes not considering historical correctness, see "remodeling" or "renovation." When changes are made to prevent further deterioration, see "preservation." More generally, for treatment, preventive care, and research directed toward long-term safekeeping of cultural and natural heritage, see "conservation."
Art & Architecture Thesaurus
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