Conservation

Conservation aims to reduce damage and loss of Cultural Heritage.

Learn how the museum’s conservation team preserves objects from our collection.

Museum Conservators protect objects in the National Maritime Collection from the environment and deterioration, safeguarding our heritage. Objects are preserved with respect for their integrity, authenticity, historical, social, aesthetic and technological qualities. 

Conservators operating in Australia are guided by the Australian Institute for Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) and adhere to the professional code of ethics and practice.
 

Conservators are trained and skilled in:

  • Material science – what objects are made from
  • Technology and manufacture processes – how objects are made 
  • Chemistry – understanding how these factors affect each other and how they react under various conditions and environments
  • Understanding agents of deterioration

Conservation in Action

Conservators use 'minimal intervention' methods to help stabilise objects and keep their integrity and authenticity. Examining objects, researching, conducting treatments, and documenting are all in a day's work for our museum conservators.

metal bird orniment

Caring for Collections

Conservators use many different methods to care for collections. Learn about some of the key protection measures museums use to help preserve objects for future generations.