Conservation

The NGV Conservation department cares for the rich and diverse State collection to ensure it can be appreciated both now and for future generations. In addition, the department is responsible for monitoring the condition, safe display and transport of all incoming loans. Conservation includes a range of actions undertaken for the long-term preservation of cultural objects such as examination, documentation, treatment and preventive measures, integrated with scientific knowledge, research and education. Overarching all these activities is our adherence to the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) Code of Ethics and Code of Practice.

Like the Collection itself, the Conservation department employs conservators specialising in a diverse range of media types including paintings, prints and drawings, frames and furniture, photography and digital media, fashion and textiles, and three-dimensional art. Conservators have a cross-disciplinary skill-set that encompasses technical treatment skills and art historical knowledge underpinned by scientific enquiry and risk management to collections. Conservators are also active in the professional community, engaging with various local and international institutions, and regularly publishing technical art history research, and delivering lectures.

Within the department are specialist Conservation Art Technicians responsible for preventative conservation methods, mount-making, housing paintings, and display and storage mechanisms for works on paper. The department is managed by a Head of Conservation who oversees all aspects of caring for this complex and growing collection, research programs and treatment of works of art. The Coordinating Conservator works across NGV departments to facilitate the dynamic program involved in the display and acquisition of collection items. The Conservation Project Officer provides support to the Head of Conservation, administrative support to the department as a whole and coordinates content for conservation outreach activities and other NGV projects.

The NGV Conservation department does not treat personal works of art. Please use the Professional Members page, operated by the AICCM, for personal advice on your precious belongings.