Materials Conservation

The Materials Conservation department analyses and preserves the State’s collections, ensuring their longevity through the application of preventative techniques, practical treatments and scientific research.

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The WA Museum's Materials Conservation Department is dedicated to the preservation and care of the State's diverse scientific and cultural collections. Staffed by a team of skilled conservators and research scientists, the department is at the forefront of both preserving the past and ensuring its resilience for the future.

Utilising specialised knowledge and state-of-the-art scientific techniques, our team meticulously analyses and preserves the physical integrity of objects and specimens in the collection, as well as engaging in ongoing research to improve conservation methods and environmental strategies.

Conservation collaborates closely with other museum departments, enriching exhibition planning and enhancing the overall visitor experience. These interdisciplinary collaborations help integrate conservation insights into every aspect of museum operations, from curation to public engagement. Through these efforts and research collaborations with global partners, we contribute to the broader field of conservation, ensuring the enduring legacy of the State’s collection.

News and content

A person with short hair stands in a laboratory space, wearing a light blue long sleeved shirt.

The Western Australian Museum’s Collections Care Manual is practical guideline developed for smaller organisations and private collectors.

Examples of bronze astrolabes. One was protected by concretion while the other was exposed to changing conditions on the sea bed. One is shiny and metallic, whereas the other looks corroded. Both are the same circular shape, with a plus-shaped cross through the middle.

Read the digitised edition of Conservation and Care of Collections (2017).

Three people wearing helmets surround a large blue whale bone being held in the air by straps

From caring for the de Vlamingh plate to moving Megamouth, discover featured content from the Materials Conservation department through the years.