A conservator consolidates an area of flaking pigment using the tip of a toothpick to gently ensure the flaking pigment is stable upon the introduction of the chosen consolidant.
We have redefined the role and competencies of the practicing conservator from bench-based treatment focused work to a framework around the researcher practitioner. This approach to conservation is based off a model proposed by Emily Pringle. In this approach to conservation, research informs practice and practice informs our research initiatives. 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.
Working as researcher practitioners, we are shaping the understanding of this approach to conservation both within The National Archives and wider sector. By undertaking research-led practice integrating objects with their context, significance and value, we demonstrate our independent capability to undertake and lead research programmes.
What does this approach mean in practice?
In practice, this means we:
- Critically assess our processes and conservation practice.
- Link up teams within Collection Care and aim to create multi-disciplinary workflows.
- Foster an environment which encourages critical thinking and exchanges.
- Review existing documentation and data collection methods.
- Commit to upskilling and offer personal and professional development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Cataloguing LR 16: Deeds from the Office of the Auditors of Land Revenue
- Cataloguing T 336: Civilian gallantry awards in the Second World War
- Funding cataloguing at The National Archives
- Indexing WO 208: Helpers of Allied prisoners of war
- Iraqi identities and journeys in the 1920s
- Raising the profile of women in Discovery
- Transcribing the Ormonde, Almanzora, and Empire Windrush passenger lists
- User input and the small steps towards creating a new editorial interface
- Mapping wartime farmland: the National Farm Survey Project and the Cataloguing of MAF 73
- Cataloguing WO 423: Army Other Ranks and Nurses service records
- Transcribing BT 51: Designs registered for copyright protection (1884–1888)
- Cataloguing the King’s (Queen’s) Messenger Service
- CO 691 and the Non-Commemoration Programme in East Africa
- The Charitable Trust Deeds Project
- WO 399: A project update
- Maritime Royal Artillery Gunners on Defensively Armed Merchant Ships
- Learn more about our conservation projects
- Treatment roundtables
- ResearchSpace knowledge system
- Our international work and its impact
- Northern Ireland: Pathways to Peace and Reconciliation
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office files
- Cabinet Office files (CAB)
- Prime Minister’s Office files (PREM)
- Modern slavery statement
- Subject files
- Double Agent Operations
- Communists and Suspected Communists, including Russian and Communist sympathisers
- Geoffrey Howe’s Private Office papers 1979 – 1983
- Help with your research
- Archives sector
- Education
- Information management