Losing the edge: the risk of a decline in practical conservation skills

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation into the potential causes of a qualitative and quantitative decline in the practical skills needed for interventive conservation. A persistent attitude that practical skills are of a lower status than academic achievements presents itself at all stages of a potential conservator’s development. In recent decades the manner in which conservators are employed within museums and other heritage organisations has changed. Skilled intervention rarely achieves a high priority. This lack of activity is often justified by an unquestioning interpretation of conservation ethics. Skills that may become necessary in the future are not being maintained. The idea that some objects might one day benefit from physical intervention is sidestepped.