Challenges of conservation: working objects

• Main Author: Professor Elizabeth Pye
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Science Museum, London 2016-11-01
• Series: Science Museum Group Journal
• Subjects: Conservation concepts and practice; conserving science and industry collections; physical access; operating objects
• Online Access: http://journal.sciencemuseum.org.uk/browse/issue-06/challenges-of-conservation/

This paper discusses the concepts and practice of museum conservation, and the role of conservation in preserving both material and significance of objects. It explores the conservation of science and industry collections and the fact that the significance of many of these objects lies in their operation. It considers alternatives to operating original objects but emphasises the value of experiencing the real thing, and argues that visitors should be given greater physical access to museum objects, including being enabled to handle and work functioning objects. It finishes by calling for research into the effects of operation on the objects themselves, and into what constitutes a satisfying experience of working objects.