A native of Rochester, New York, Peter Mustardo began his career at the then International Museum of Photography at the George Eastman House in 1978. After getting a Master's degree from Columbia University in Preservation Administration, he took a position as a conservator with the NYC Municipal Archives where he became responsible for their Preservation Section, overseeing the conservation laboratory and the photographic division of the largest municipal archive in the USA. From that position he moved to the National Archives in Washington DC where he worked as their Preservation Coordinator, disseminating official preservation policy nationwide, across the country from NYC to Texas, California to Alaska. In 1991 with Nora Kennedy he formed The Better Image® a private practice Devoted to the Conservation and Preservation of Art and Historic Photographs. The Better Image® serves the conservation treatment needs of a diverse clientele and focuses on institutional, corporate, and individual collectors. Peter has authored a number of articles on photograph conservation and has taught and lectured on the topic in the USA and abroad. In January 2023 The Better Image® celebrated its thirty-third year in continuous operation. 

In this episode, we discuss how Peter and Nora started The Better Image and judiciously grew the business with three studio locations at one point. Peter also describes the challenges of planning for retirement and his thoughts on what is considered an asset within a conservation practice. 

For more information on the Better Image, visit: https://www.thebetterimage.com/

Time Markers:

(2:18) Introduction

(6:18) George Eastman House

(09:16) Time at New York Municipal Archives

(12:39) Start of the Better Image

(14:43) Tools and equipment for photograph and paper conservation

(16:11) Thoughts on advertising

(19:28) Justifying the cost of conservation work

(21:02) Private vs. Institutional conservation bids

(22:46) Move to Pittstown, NJ

(32:16) Investing in employees

(36:19) Insurance and certification

(37:29) Incorporation

(40:46) Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

(41:43) Opening a third studio

(46:08) Insurance claims

(52:40) Managing profits

(53:48) Board of advisors and SCORE program

(55:45) Paths to retirement

(57:43) Value of documentation database

(1:01:43) Can a database be passed on?

(1:04:02) Thoughts on retirement

(1:08:02) Hard lessons learned

(1:10:26) Advice for emerging professionals

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