Preventive

Two women enclose a paper-wrapped object in a plastic bag to undergo preventative conservation

About

The Preventive Conservation team’s aim is to preserve all works of art by controlling the environment in which they are displayed, stored and transported. This includes maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels despite outside fluctuations, managing light exposure, controlling pests and protecting works from other forms of physical damage.

Preventive conservation comes in at all stages. It includes implementing stringent procedures for storage and exhibition. It includes environmental monitoring and stabilisation. It includes disaster preparedness for the collection. And it includes sharing knowledge with and assisting regional and other galleries when works from the collection are on loan.

Related

Conservation

Time-Based Media Art

It's a portrait image of Urs Fischer from in front and below, so he's looking at his phone. Not yet melted enough to have any dripping wax bits

Time-based media art describes works of art that are dependent on time, duration, or function including video, film and audio artworks.

Conservation

Textiles

Photograph of textile conservator working on three hanging robes on display

All textile objects have a natural deterioration process — slowing that down while retaining original features is the key aim of Textile Conservators.

Conservation

Objects

Photograph of object conservator using flashlight to inspect cylindrical sculpture

Object Conservation encompasses the most varied sector of the collection, from monumental works in the Sculpture Garden to delicate bark paintings.

Conservation

Painting

A woman uses a cotton bud to clean a painting

Painting Conservators are responsible for their maintenance and preservation, as well as advising on hanging, handling and installation.

Conservation

a man using cleaning tools to perform conservation on a painting in a laboratory

The Gallery's Conservation Department ensures the legacy of the national collection via the long-term preservation of works of art.

Australian Art /  Video

British makers on board the Rajah en route to Hobart 'The Rajah quilt'

Published 16 December 2010

The Rajah Quilt is one of Australia's important early textiles made by women convicts on the ship Rajah en route from England to Van Diemens land.

2 minutes