Conservation science

Scientific research and analysis underpins many of the techniques used by conservators to preserve our cultural heritage. The conservation science section is responsible for providing analytical support to all the conservation sections at the centre. We also offer expert advice to all the venues within National Museums Liverpool. We carry out analysis on the wide range of objects in the collections, from ships to paintings.

Studies are carried out to:

• discover the history and technology of an object
• identify the nature of previous restoration or alteration
• determine the causes of deterioration for a particular type of object

The laboratory’s facilities include a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer and a microscopy room, equipped with optical microscopes and a scanning electron microscope.

Some of the recent projects our scientists have worked on include:

• the identification of pigments and organic residues on ethnographic objects
• the identification of discoloured lacquer on an early 19th century chandelier
• the investigation of the original paint layers on a wooden barge from an 18th century French naval fleet
• a major study of the fading rates of coloured feathers used in artefacts from the Amazon region. This was carried out with scientists at the V&A and the Tate. It has enabled exhibition lighting to be set at a level which does not risk damaging the objects.

The conservation science section is also responsible for monitoring the environment at all of our venues and collections stores. This work is co-ordinated by the environmental officer. Relative humidity and temperature are monitored using dataloggers, radiotelemetric systems or building management systems. This ensures that the conditions are safe for the collections. The environmental officer organises pest monitoring at the different sites and uses the National Conservation Centre’s large freezer for the treatment of any infestation. The section also co-ordinates programmes for monitoring light and pollution and advises on suitable climate control equipment for new galleries.

We are regularly consulted by other museums and organisations for advice on environmental or analytical issues. We also provide a service for pest disinfestation, pigment identification and other technical analysis. The multi-skilled nature of our work means that collaboration with scientists from external organisations is essential. We are involved with local, national and international level conservation. This ranges from providing tours for school science students to presenting work at international conferences and in scientific journals.

In this section

• the next conservation department is ceramics
• conservation departments home page

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