Our approach to conservation and heritage science

Conservation practice

We use the framework of the researcher practitioner model proposed by Emily Pringle in our approach to conservation practice. This approach redefines the role of the practicing conservator from bench-based treatment-focused work into research-active practice. In this approach, research informs conservation practice and conservation practice informs our research initiatives. This integrates records with their context, value, and significance.

Through this approach, conservation treatment decisions consider the research output on the same level as other more traditional decision-making markers based on condition alone. This approach means we continuously assess our processes and conservation practice.

Conservation for imaging

We support the mass digitisation programme of The National Archives’ collection, working with our commercial digitisation and licensing teams to enable access to our collections online. As we work across multiple large scale and time pressured projects, we take a pragmatic approach to conservation treatment. We conserve only when the text or image area of a record is unreadable or to ensure safe access for handling and imaging.

We undertake condition assessment surveys to inform the planning and scope of our projects, including resource allocation and costs to our publishing partners, and uncover access and condition issues. If issues are found, conservation treatment is applied to ensure each record's condition is stable for handling and imaging.

Preservation

We protect our collections through a multi-disciplinary, risk-based approach to collection care that aims to reduce the likelihood of damage occurring. Our team has expertise in preventive conservation, data science, and heritage science enabling us to enhance our preservation programme through research and analysis.

Our preservation programme combines environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, handling guidance, and advice to external organisations. We monitor conditions across our physical buildings to better understand how the environment affects collections and provide training to reduce the risks associated with handling collections.

Heritage science

We use scientific equipment and methods to analyse the materials in our records to inform preservation, display, access and conservation treatment decision-making, and research initiatives. We specialise in the development of new methods of material analysis allowing us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the materiality of objects at various levels, from molecular to structural.

We approach our research using a range of non-invasive scientific techniques. These include X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, microfade testing, reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), and multi- and hyper-spectral imaging. These methods allow us to study the chemical and physical properties of items.

This work helps:

• Reveal how materials were made, used, and altered over time
• Inform treatment decisions for complex or hazardous items
• Enhance the legibility and interpretive potential of damaged or obscured content

Through innovative techniques and collaborative efforts, our work bridges the gap between science and history to enable the exploration, ongoing accessibility, and preservation of our collection.

Documentation

To document the condition and conservation treatments of records in our collection, we use a system called ResearchSpace. This system has the potential to record the material properties and historical information of a record alongside conservation reports and scientific analysis results. We are continuously developing this system to create an inter-disciplinary documentation and knowledge-sharing tool. Funding from the Heritage Science Data Service is enabling this development.

Audiences

We take an audience-centred approach to dissemination, engagement outputs and research, prioritising the needs of our audiences and tailoring our tone, content and format. We strive to unlock new and diverse audiences in two-way engagement through inclusive practice and programming, and bring alternate perspectives and knowledge that enrich our work and practices. Having a team dedicated to engagement for conservation and heritage science enables holistic expansion of our dissemination and engagement activities as a department. This enhances our reach, impact and the diversity of the audiences we engage.