Icon Skills: Essentials of Collections Care for Non-Conservators

Learn the key skills needed to care for a heritage collection, and when to get a specialist involved

From minor cracks in a objects to unprecedented water leaks, there are a huge range of conservation issues that can impact a heritage institution's collection.

But without a official conservator on board, what are the measures that a non-specialist can take to mitigate damages and keep a collection secure?

This course will provide an overview of the key aspects of collections care, and provide relevant conservation training for those working in heritage institutions who don’t currently employ a dedicated conservator.  

Through this course, attendees will:

  • Understand of the range of conservation issues that are likely to impact their collections 
  • Understand of the agents of deterioration and how they can mitigate risk to their collections 
  • Be able to carry out preventive conservation activities within the scope of their knowledge and understanding 
  • Be able to undertake basic remedial conservation within the scope of their knowledge and understanding. 
  • Understand what to do in the case of an emergency or damage to collections 
  • Understand the work of a professional conservator and what they do 
  • Recognise the limits of their own knowledge and skills. They understand when to bring in a professional conservator and where to find them. 

Schedule:

Tuesday 1 October
10am – 1pm
Introduction to collections care (Online)

Session 1

Tuesday 8 October
10am – 1pm
Materials and Risk (handling and display)(Online)

Session 2

Tuesday 15 October
10am – 1pm
Conservation in Emergencies (Online)

Session 3

Tuesday 22 October
9.30am – 3.30pm
Practical workshop (In-person)

Session 4

This course is aimed at anyone working for or volunteering at heritage institutions, or anyone who has an interest in conservation. 

The course will take place over four sessions. The first three sessions will take place over Zoom, and the fourth will take place in-person at Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

Please make sure you can attend all sessions before booking.

After the course, all delegates will gain a stronger understanding of how to care for their collections, understand the limits of their own knowledge and skills, and know when to bring in a professional conservator. 

Attendees will also all receive a certificate confirming attendance to the programme.