John Kjelland

Conservator of Furniture and Other Selected Objects

Performing adhesive transfers on one panel of a 10'x17' marquetry mural in Yellowstone National Park.

The intent of a conservator’s effort is not to improve or alter the historic or personal record of the object but to preserve its integrity for future generations to appreciate and to study. I am practiced in the scientific approach and use skilled artistic hands to care for your collection.

John Kjelland's Resume

John's specialized knowledge in wooden artifact conservation has been gained through more than 28 years of practical experience in structural and coating stabilization. Conservation training was obtained at The Smithsonian Institution, National Park Service and The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.. His research continues in large part by studying extensive selections of technical publications and manuscripts. John works mostly with private collections but has also contracted with The Montana State Historical Society, The National Park Service, The Charles M. Russell Museum and other museums. The Mountain Plains Museum Association and The American Institute of Conservation have published some of his written work on conservation. He is currently commissioned to write a book on furniture care, addressing subjects that introduce conservation methods and materials to both restorers and custodians.

Training:

· Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education, Smithsonian Institution

· Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities

· Department of Conservation, Harpers Ferry Center, The National Park Service

· Williamsport Training Center, N.P.S.

Clientele:

· Northern States Conservation Center; St. Paul, MN

· The C.M. Russell Museum; Great Falls, MT

· The Valdez Museum; Valdez, AK

· The Montana State Historical Society

· Museum of the Rockies; MSU, Bozeman, MT

· Grant Kohrs Ranch; NHS, Deerlodge, MT

· Brinkeroff Lodge (a presidential retreat); Grand Teton National Park, WY

· Fort Scott National Historic Site; Fort Scott, KS

· Yellowstone National Park; WY

· Private Collections

Publications:

· Mountain Plains Museum Association

· American Institute for Conservation, Wooden Object Group Post Prints

· Commissioned to begin a book on furniture conservation

Yellowstone National Park conservation project (1Mb Adobe file)

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Latest Treatment

Previous Treatments

Treatment Photographs

Newspaper Articles:

The Missoulian, Missoula, Montana

The Valdez Star, Valdez, Alaska