The Intermuseum Conservation Laboratory, now comprising 15 member museums, has been in operation for 20 years. It was founded as a cooperative undertaking by 5 midwest museums to preserve art treasures belonging to its members and to improve and regionally disseminate knowledge of the theory and practice of conservation. Initial and pivotal is the gallery inspection by the professional staff that provides records on which recommendations for examination and treatment can be based. In 1952, the Laboratory was financed by a $500 annual subscription from each museum and a $3,000 gift from Oberlin College for outfitting. Annual subscriptions now average $2, 300 and an increase to $4,000 is planned.