<meta google-site-verification: google6b4dfe3a7724abaa.htmlname="content="KlLHJqTVDcv9P32_UIPYmCHs49TNmXRLUKv3jydkMA4" />

James Bernstein is a familiar figure in the world of art conservation.

A graduate of the High School of Music & Art, NYC, he received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, Waltham, MA.  He was awarded a Masters and Advanced Study Degree in Art Conservation from the Cooperstown Graduate Program (now the Buffalo Graduate Program) NY.

Bernstein served as Conservator and Co-Director of Conservation for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art [1975 to 1989].   Guiding the museum’s in-house and regional conservation services, he performed collection assessments, treatments, and mentored the education and work of staff conservators, interns and apprentices.  In 1989, James turned to

full-time private conservation practice and developed master classes for conservators. 

Long-term colleague at the SFMOMA, Conservator Pauline Mohr joined Bernstein, working

with him part-time in addition to her own private practice In Berkeley, CA.  Bernstein and associates provide museum-level conservation services and expertise to an distinguished roster of institutional, association and individual clients.

Jim bridges old and new worlds, demonstrating passion, sensitivity and prowess in the study and conservation of objects of far-ranging nature, ancient to cutting-edge modern.  His encompassing vision, experience, invention, manual dexterity and personable manner have made him a highly sought-after practitioner.

In addition to his understanding of artist materials and his performing masterful treatments of challenging works, especially of this Century, Bernstein loves sharing knowledge with others.  He inspires enthusiasm and learning through presentations, publications and workshops that are encyclopedic, accessible and enjoyable. 

For two decades, Jim has taught color and compensation technique to hundreds of conservators through eagerly attended MASTERING INPAINTING Workshops, often co-taught with close colleague Debra Evans, Head of Paper Conservation for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.  MASTERING INPAINTING has been presented thirty-four times, tailored to the needs of each audience/specialty and hosted by associations around the globe.

In 2007, James Bernstein and Debra Evans were recognised by their peers, receiving the American Institute for Conservation Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award, in recognition of their sustained record of excellence in the education and training of conservation professionals.