Volunteer’s Week: Conservation Volunteers Keeping the Collection in Check
Volunteers’ Week: Conservation Volunteers Keeping the Collection in Check
This Volunteers’ Week, we take a peek behind the curtain of the Dockyard’s collection
What happens to collections once they are put into storage?
Does anyone ever look at them again?
How do we know what’s happening to them if they’re not on display?
One of the most important aspects of collection care is condition checking. Regularly peeking into the boxes and inspecting the objects inside helps us to keep track of the overall health of the collection while it’s resting in the stores.
Checking out the Uniforms
Recently, three of our collection’s volunteers helped us with the condition check of uniforms. But what is required during a check?
Condition checking is not just a quick glance at the object but a chance to make sure that our cataloguing and documentation are correct. The volunteers recorded the item reference numbers, a description of the piece and noted any problems that might need conservation treatment.
Speaking about her experience Collection’s Volunteer, Kirsty said: “I have enjoyed everything that I have done so far but I did thoroughly enjoy our time in the uniform store and condition checking the uniforms and other textiles like hats and shoes, because it was something I had never done before and it was rather interesting seeing all the other objects we have at the dockyard especially those in good condition.”
Every piece should be inspected in detail, collars need to be turned over, sleeves looked into, and behind buttons inspected; problems can hide in the smallest of places! Our volunteers used a small torch to pass a raking light over the surface of the textile to better see any potential damage.
Keeping Stories Alive
During her inspections, volunteer Lucy was able to find little clues as to the object’s history. “I found checking the condition of the uniform store particularly interesting as I learnt a lot of new skills, such as how to identify pest damage and mould.
Whilst checking for damage, it was interesting to find other things such as names embroidered into individual uniforms, stains from food or general wear of the uniform, and even ink from a pen that had leaked in a pocket in the past. All of which gives a tiny glimpse into the individual store of each uniform.”
New Collections Store
Once the collection was completely checked over and documented, all items were moved into our brand-new store. This custom-built space allows us to provide the best care for our entire collection. Objects that are stored in well-controlled environments can be expected to be preserved longer than their counterparts in poor storage. The new store will allow us to provide that well-controlled environment.
Speaking of one of those items we’ve been able to preserve, Kirsty told us about her favourite item: “Across the dockyard, I would have to say my favourite object from across the collection would be the portable donkey boiler in 3 Slip. It’s such a cool-looking piece that was so important to ships that were docked and not using their engines, as it provided hot water.”
You can see the Portable Donkey Boiler in 3 Slip. An example of our uniforms can be seen in the Command of the Oceans exhibition, where you can see Admiral Sir James Alexander Gordon’s Full-Dress Coat. You can also read more about uniform conservation in our other blog posts: ‘Caring for Historic Naval Uniforms‘ and ‘Bringing Our Uniform Collection Back to Life‘.
About Our Conservation Volunteers
Kirsty was interested in becoming a Collection Volunteer because: “Conservation is interesting to me as I get to handle and work with objects to preserve cultural heritage and allow others to learn from said objects. It also enables me to learn and study objects more closely than I would be able to as a visitor. It is such a unique but vital practice in the museum industry.
Over two years, I have learnt a multitude of skills and practices ranging from basic cleaning for remedial/interventive conservation to preventative conservation such as integrated pest management, how to spot mould on different types of objects in the correct environment to avoid damage and this gives us ability to provide each object the proper care.”
Likewise, Lucy says: “I’m interested in conservation because I love learning about history, so I really see the value in conserving historic objects so that future generations can enjoy and learn from them.”
