Do you have some treasured possessions, perhaps family heirlooms or photos, that you could not bare to see damaged?

Everything falls to pieces eventually and though we can’t stop this process, it can be slowed down. In the Conservation Department, we look after our collection in storage, on display and when it travels. We try to keep our objects free from dust, moisture, bugs and other materials that might harm them. We also keep the lights low.

Conservators create reports about each collection object, recording its size and condition, and preservation photographers take detailed photos to record of the damage and deterioration. To understand more about the objects meaning we also collect the stories that go with that object, including how an item was made, used and cared for in the past.

This website will show you what we’re up to in the lab and our conservation workshop. Our conservators, photographers and volunteers work together: preparing objects and loans for exhibitions; improving the documentation and support of our collection in storage; and maintaining and rebuilding steam engines.

Our department offers many regional and community programs including: internships, work experience, staff exchanges, loans, travelling exhibitions, visits and community based workshops. We also welcome collaborating with others in joint activities.

You might like to try our conservation website search, which covers just about everything you might want to know about conservation.

If you have information or questions about our collection or yours, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Us

Please feel welcome to contact us for further information or with your comments.
Dave Rockell
Acting Head of Preservation and Heritage Management
Phone: 9217 0409
Fax: 9217 0498
Email: daver@phm.gov.au