Collection Care and Conservation

The CC&C team specialise in the preservation of natural science specimens, archaeological and cultural objects, rare books and archives, and life and geoscience collections.

Materials Conservation skeletons July 2019

Clare Kim - Entomology Conservation - Explore Magazine shoot

Collection Care and Conservation, Rhinoceros

There are over 22 million objects and specimens at the Australian Museum (AM) across Natural Science, Cultural, Archive, Library and Rare Books collections. These vast collections are richly diverse in materials and form. Understanding the nature of these materials and why they may be deteriorating is important knowledge in the field of materials conservation. Our Conservation team have specialist skills in organic and inorganic materials conservation as well as undertaking research and scientific analysis of materials to assist in treatment decision making.

The Collection Care program focuses on preventing or minimising deterioration from known deterioration agents such as insect pests, environmental changes, physical damage, and chemical. Preventive programs address collection storage and rehousing needs, disaster response and puts in place risk mitigation strategies to ensure the collections are safe and accessible. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an established monitoring, treatment, and preventive program to mitigate against the biggest threat to AM collections from insect infestation. Collection Care conservators manage anoxic and low temperature treatment programs for across all collections and material types.

We work collaboratively with staff across the Museum to ensure the collections are accessible for current and future generations to appreciate, learn from and enjoy. Respect for Community connection with cultural property and ensuring the integrity of natural science specimens are always key considerations in our consultation and decision-making process.

Natural science conservation focus

Our team includes conservators who have focused on the care and treatment of specimens held in the Life and Geoscience collections, often referred to as natural science or natural history specimens. Our Natural Science Conservators work with Collection staff to care for and preserve these specimens.

The specimens in these collections are incredibly varied in material types and make up vast numbers of individual specimens. Conservators working with specimens need an understanding of how specimens are used in scientific research, the correct terminologies to describe and refer to specimens, and a sound knowledge of how specimens enter collections (how they are prepared). Using this knowledge, our team can apply the best conservation methods to ensure our collections are stable and preserved for future research and access.

Stable environments are the key to long term preservation. This means finding a place where you can keep your valuables away from light, pest attack and in stable temperature and humidity. Storage containers with good seals are ideal and using acid free tissue paper can help to buffer and cushion books, paper, and objects.

How do I prevent insect damage?

Infestation by insect pests is one of the most common forms of damage to artefacts and specimens. Preventing access by insects and pests to collections/ objects/specimens is the primary method of preventing damage as well as regular checks for infestation.

Keeping artefacts in airtight plastic containers or zip lock bags is an effective method of storage and cost effective. Archival storage materials and systems are available from specialised suppliers and there are a range of options for all types of materials.

Checking for infestations

It is useful to make regular inspections of storage areas to look for signs of insects.
A powerful torch will help enormously in the inspection process to look for eaten areas and holes in objects, dead insects, insect droppings and insect frass (wood powder left by the insect).
Check around the edges of rooms, in cupboards, under shelving, behind furniture and around and equipment and appliances that gives off warmth as these can harbour insects.

Blunder traps are very useful as they trap a sample of the insects that are active in the vicinity. The traps are simply a layer of adhesive on a card with a cardboard frame surrounding it. Traps can be purchased in supermarkets and hardware stores.

What to look for

Common insects such as cockroaches, moths and silverfish can attack feathers, seeds, wool, and silk. Evidence of insect attack can be found in the form of dropping fragments, dead insects, insect casings, and insect droppings (frass).

The most common insects to be found to infest materials are beetles, moths, and termites.

For further help

If you are concerned about an item in your home, you can reach out to amri@australian.museum or contact The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM).

News stories

Egyptian mummy masks: Completion of the treatment - part 4

In Part 4 of this special Australian Museum blog series, Melissa Holt outlines the treatment of the final Egyptian cartonnage mask and wraps up the series!

9 March 2022

Egyptian mummy masks: Before and after treatment - part 3

In Part 3 of this special AM blog series, Melissa Holt outlines the treatment of two Egyptian cartonnage objects - with final before and after shots!

1 February 2022

Egyptian mummy masks: The conservation treatment begins - part 2

In Part 2 of this special AM blog series, Melissa Holt tells us about the treatment process for two of the Egyptian cartonnage objects which includes x-ray analysis and tear repairs!

13 January 2022

Collection Care & Conservation Laboratory tour

Join a fascinating tour of the newly refurbished Collection Care and Conservation Laboratory and meet the team responsible for protecting the Australian Museum’s renowned collections.

Behind the scenes tour

Watch now

Egyptian mummy masks: Conservation project introduction - part 1

Melissa Holt, project conservator at the Australian Museum, tells us about the conservation treatment of four Ancient Egyptian Cartonnage coverings, including three masks! Read part one, in this special AM blog series.

18 October 2021