On the regulation of the Conservation-Restoration profession in Germany

Abstract

The VDR was founded in 2001. The main concerns of the VDR are the protection and proper preservation of art and cultural assets while respecting their material, art-historical and aesthetic signiÞcance. The restorer`s association is both a trade association and a professional association as well. It thus stands for the professional interests of its members in all disciplines throughout Germany. As a professional association, we are concerned with raising awareness of the profession of “restorer” in politics and the public, drawing a clear picture of the profession and informing the public about the need for responsible cultural property protection.
 We are committed to the recognition of the achievements of restorers with scientiÞc training – nationally and internationally through our membership in E.C.C.O.
 The VDR Presidium and the Executive Board endeavour to protect the professional title „Restaurator“ and „Restauratorin“ in Germany.
 We Þght for better pay for salaried and self-employed freelancers, who were and still are, Þxed on 50-year-old remuneration models for far too long and in some cases still are. Successes in the struggle for higher groupings in the last three years give reason to hope that steady improvements will be achieved for the employed restorers.