Training and Advice

Participants will learn basic conservation techniques and how to clean and maintain displays in a safe way and with the correct materials, tools and cleaning products. This includes a site visit prior to the workshop where I review current cleaning methods and practices, and conduct an assessment of the cleaning needs of your collection items. Examples are drawn from your museum/gallery’s own collection, and Staff and Volunteers will have the opportunity to ask for advice on any problematic areas or objects at their museum. A Preservation Housekeeping Manual is provided.

For an extra fee, I can also develop and implement a detailed rotating cleaning schedule based on each institutions resources and staffing levels, and the needs of different materials types.

Learn how to establish an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and monitoring routine. Participants will learn how to establish quarantine procedures and routine insect pest treatments for objects entering collections. Training will include monitoring for pests, pest identification, recognising risks, and treating infestations. Low temperature and low oxygen techniques for treating infested materials will be demonstrated. Training will also be given on how to safely deal with Mould affected objects and prevent future outbreaks.

Stable climate conditions are one of the best ways of ensuring the longevity of a collection. Understand how Temperature and Humidity affect collection materials. Learn how to establish low cost and energy efficient Environmental monitoring and control in a small museum/gallery. Training is given on the creation of microclimates for sensitive materials. I conduct a site visit prior to the workshop where I undertake a brief assessment of your institution’s building envelope and survey the climate. This informs my advice on how to best manage the climate specific to your institution.

General Introduction to the effects of temperature, humidity, light, dusts, pollutants, mould, security, and disaster preparedness. A review is conducted of current preventive conservation practices at your organisation, and examples are drawn from your museum/gallery’s own collection. Advice is given on cost effective strategies to establish preventive conservation practices in your museum.

Is your museum/gallery prepared for a disaster? Participants will learn about all aspects of disaster planning response and risk management. Identify priorities in your collection and develop strategies and kits for emergency situations. Learn how to respond to emergencies and salvage materials in the event of a disaster.

Storage and display materials should be as stable as possible as they are often in direct contact with collection objects. Participants will learn about the importance of using archival quality materials, conservation storage and display standards, object handling, plus packing and storage of different types of objects and materials through practical exercises and demonstrations. Participants will be provided with a reference set of samples of appropriate materials.

Introductory session to induct new Volunteers in the basics of Museum practice, preventive conservation, object handling, and preservation housekeeping. I can also act as an external advisor to volunteer groups and help with prioritising volunteer activities, offering professional advice and input specific to each museum/gallery/site, and keeping volunteer programs on track.

Training and Advice can also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your museum or gallery. Please contact me for further details.