Conservation science (cultural heritage)

With respect to cultural heritage, conservation science is the interdisciplinary study of conservation of art, architecture, and other cultural works through the use of scientific inquiry. General areas of research include the technology and structure of artistic and historic works and the materials and media from which they are made.

Conservation scientists use scientific methods and principles to support work in the fields of art conservation and architectural conservation, and care of cultural objects in museums and other collections. Cultural conservation science work includes identifying the materials that make up a structure or piece of art including their chemical makeup, identifying and cataloging changes that cause deterioration and developing methods to mitigate deterioration of cultural heritage.[1]

Initiatives fostered by the United Kingdom government in this field are described as 'Heritage Science.' "Conservation Science" also refers to the science that informs conservation of the environment and natural resources.

There are three broad categories of conservation science with respect to cultural heritage: 1) thorough examination and analysis, 2) study of the causes of deterioration, and 3) improving materials and techniques. Conservation science includes aspects of chemistry, physics and biology as well as engineering.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Defining the Conservator: Essential Competencies" (PDF). American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).
  2. ↑ Ward, Phillip (1986). The Nature of Conservation: A Race Against Time. Marina del Rey, CA: Getty Conservation Institute. ISBN 0-941103-00-5.

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