Joaquin Barrio Martin, PhD, a world-renowned archaeologist and restorer of archaeological materials, has produced more than one hundred publications, in which the symbiotic relationship between his two professions is made clear. This interview is not only an opportunity to show Barrio's distinctive personality -his opinions and comments make it clear why he is a point of reference for the research and conservation treatment of metal objects- but is also an opportunity to examine the present and future of restoration in Latin America.