Whether it be ancient artifacts or more recent artworks, material objects that are held and maintained in GLAM institutes (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) provide insight into past cultures, as well as what future civilizations could bring. For that reason, scientific analysis and conservation, relating to cultural heritage material, are the focal points of this website. However, before going into specific technologies that provide a further understanding of such objects and their preservation, it is important to comprehend what is meant here by the terms scientific analysis, preservation, and conservation.
The term ‘scientific analysis’ refers to an investigation of phenomena, in this case, material objects of either a historic or artistic nature, in a systematic and technical manner. This is done in a historic or artistic context, in order to understand the materials used in the object’s construction or to understand the process of its creation. Most importantly, objective facts are provided to answer one or multiple questions regarding the object.
While the terms ‘preservation’ and ‘conservation’ are indeed related, and often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same thing. The term ‘conservation’ refers to the protection of an object from damage and destruction, along with preventative work to stabilize any vulnerabilities. The term ‘preservation’ refers to the practice of maintaining artifacts by providing a stable storage or display environment in order to minimize further damage or deterioration. These two linked methods can be implemented in many ways, whether it be from controlling the storage or display of objects, or certifying that the information attached to the historic object is sustained and properly documented.
Both scientific analysis and conservation are important, not only for museums and other cultural institutions, but for the entire population. If cultural heritage objects are properly analyzed and conserved, further unique discoveries can be made into the meanings behind their creation and about the cultures, peoples, and ideas they originated from. In this way, these education objects will survive so that following generations can continue to learn from and contemplate them.
In conclusion, our website does three things: it provides general information on scientific analysis, conservation and the concept of technologies; it explains five specific scientific analysis and conservation technologies; and it details how, why, and in what circumstances these technologies are used. We hope you enjoy navigating our site!
For more information on conservation, visit: American Institute For Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Scientific Analysis & Conservation Tech 