Janice Ellis’ flexible approach and creative solutions produce excellent results" Anne Ruta, Registrar, Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

Quarto has successfully completed many short and long-term contracts with numerous museums and US government agencies, including the Smithsonian Institution, for whom we have provided treatment and exhibition support for many years, the Library of Congress, the US Treasury Department, and the National Park Service. Our private clients receive as much attention to detail as the museums do, but are sometimes surprised at the amount of time it takes to complete a museum-quality treatment. They later say it's worth the wait to have the work done so well.

About Us

Jahanvi Desai at the National Park Service

Staff

Quarto Conservation of Books & Paper, Inc. was established in 1998 by Janice Stagnitto Ellis, who prior to that was the Senior Conservator at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. It was at the Smithsonian where she met Jahanvi Desai, a chemist and practicing Conservation Specialist, who joined Quarto in 2000. Lauren Streusand Zummo joined the staff in 2005 after completing a graduate degree in conservation with an advanced internship at the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC.

Federal information

Quarto Conservation of Books & Paper, Inc. is a small, woman-owned business. It is registered on the US Federal Government Central Contractor Registration. It’s staff has worked for both private and government agencies, and they have been granted Federal government security clearance after an extensive investigative process including finger printing and FBI background checks. It’s facility has been inspected for security by Federal Agents of the Department of the Treasury, and it has passed Federal facility security protocol. Quarto can accept payment via government direct deposit or credit cards.

Facility Report

Quarto Conservation of Books & Paper is operated in the lower level of a private residence, a brick building which maintains both a security system direct-wired to an outside security company, and a fire system direct-wired to the municipal fire department. The fire station is less than a half mile from the facility and a fire hydrant is directly across the street. Both temperature and relative humidity are monitored around the clock, and an independent natural gas operated electrical generator ensures that the HVAC, dehumidification systems and preventive sump-pumps are operational even if there is a municipal power failure.

Artworks are stored in the uppermost drawers of powder coated enamel oversized flat files with external locks added for additional protection. All storage cabinets are elevated 6” above ground on wheeled platforms to facilitate housekeeping. The studio practices integrated pest managemet. All the lighting in the conservation studio is filtered for UV light.

There is a covered garage which acts as a loading dock to bring oversized art objects directly into the studio.