In archives and museums, prevention is always better than cure. Every object, from paintings to paper, leather, and parchment, is subject to natural ageing. However, this process can be accelerated by factors such as poor handling, inadequate packaging, and unsuitable environmental conditions.
The good news? There are proven measures to slow deterioration. These include:
- Duplication of fragile materials
- Inert packaging to protect against pollutants
- Good housekeeping practices
- Controlled environmental conditions
Together, these form the foundation of an effective preservation policy.
Our role in preventive conservation
Conservation is not just about repairing damage—it’s about managing and monitoring the environmental, biological, and physical factors that affect collection stability. Our Conservation Studios provide expert advice on these and other preventive measures to safeguard collections for the future.
When treatment is needed
Sometimes, conservation treatment becomes necessary for damaged items. This process begins with a careful assessment by an accredited conservator in consultation with the custodian. Treatments often involve cleaning and repair, carried out with exceptional skill and experience.
All repairs follow strict principles:
- Reversible
- Sympathetic and compatible
- Clearly identifiable
Only the highest-quality archival materials are used to ensure long-term preservation. We believe prevention is better than cure. This principle guides our work to protect and maintain artefacts in museums and archives. Our studios offer a wide range of treatments and advice to meet your conservation and preservation needs.
Explore our services, browse Conservation FAQs and Guidelines, and see how we help preserve Scotland’s heritage.
Contact us
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Archival conservation
for books, paper, parchment, etc.
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Artefact conservation
for historical objects
Conservation in action!
The film below show the restoration of a tax report from 1817, County of Aberdeen.
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Donate to Conservation
The Archive Service preserves, conserves and makes accessible over 700 years of Highland history. There is no charge to visit our Archive Centres and access the collections we hold, but High Life Highland is a charity and we rely on your donations.
