Department of Conservation and Scientific Research
The Department
of Conservation and Scientific Research works alongside other
departments in the Museum to conserve (to care for and preserve)
and investigate the collection for the benefit of present and
future generations.
The Museum has one of the oldest and largest conservation
facilities in the world. The team of conservators works to clean,
repair and stabilise objects in the collection. The study of
objects while they are being conserved contributes to a better
understanding of the collections and the mechanisms by which they
deteriorate. This information is important to the development of
new c
onservation
techniques and allows advice to be given on the best conditions for
the display and storage of objects to prevent further decay.
Scientists in the department provide insights into the past
through research on the collection. Using both traditional and the
very latest methods and equipment they are able to answer questions
that help with the interpretation and understanding of the
collection including How old is it? Where does it come from? What
is it made of? How was it made?
The Collections Documentation Group
has moved to the Collections Services Department. It continues
to manage the Museum’s records of objects, as well as train and
assist all staff in the use of the Collections Database,
including Conservation and Science data.