HS2000: Introduction to Conservation Skills

School Archaeology
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS2000
External Subject Code 100805
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Mr Phillip Parkes
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2016/7

Outline Description of Module

This module provides an introduction to the underpinning skills of x-radiography, investigative cleaning, adhesives and gap-filling of archaeological and historical objects.

 

This module categorises treatment procedures that are used to reveal the shape, history and technology of cultural objects. Students learn how to apply selected investigative cleaning techniques via structured practical work on cultural objects. Documentation and reporting this work and its outcomes is used to assess student performance. Practical applications of conservation practice are linked to applications of materials used as adhesives and gap-fillers. Properties of materials and aspects of conservation ethics are explored via set practical exercises. The module includes an extensive introduction to laboratory health and safety and the laboratory local rules. The module is an essential underpinning to the Conservation Skills in Practice module and has significant linkage to the Introduction to ‘Investigative Techniques in Conservation’ and ‘Polymers in Conservation’ modules. 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

 

  • Recognise and act on HSE regulations applicable to conservation
  • Describe the nature of dirt and the purpose of and options for its removal
  • Implement basic conservation tasks under supervision
  • Recognise and use basic conservation tools and equipment
  • Understand the principles and practice of x-radiography
  • Critically evaluate the outcomes of conservation treatments

How the module will be delivered

How the module will be delivered

A series of introductory lectures and demonstrations provide an overview of the ethics, rationale and practical skills used in conservation, with emphasis on archaeological material. Lectures will be balanced with supervised practical classes where students will experiment with conservation techniques and then develop and evaluate them on materials selected to represent a range of artefact types.

 

Students will receive 2x2 hour seminar classes and 8 x 3 hour practical classes that will involve some seminar style teaching. In order to deliver the outcomes of the module students will be expected to spend time outside of the scheduled classes working in the laboratories in addition to the normal research requirements of a University module

Skills that will be practised and developed

Skills that will be practised and developed

Whilst studying this module, students will practise and develop a number of skills.  Not all of these will be assessed formally via the assessment but will be developed through your time working within a laboratory context and with cultural heritage items. Learning outcomes for the module are correlated to the novice to expert scale utilised by Icon, The Institute for Conservation for competence assessment.

 

Academic

  • Critically assess published literature in conservation
  • Identify treatments in conservation literature and apply them appropriately

 

Subject Specific

  • Apply conservation ethics in the workplace
  • Interpret x-radiographs of small objects
  • Set up a safe ergonomic workspace at a laboratory bench
  • Understand the difference between mechanical and chemical cleaning techniques
  • Use and evaluate different cleaning techniques
  • Understand adhesive properties and how these can influence selection
  • Use appropriate adhesives for different substrates
  • Choose, mix, apply and surface-finish gap-fillers
  • Mix and apply media and pigments to achieve different outcomes

 

Transferable

  • Comply with Health and Safety rules and regulations
  • Write short technical reports
  • Annotate images to communicate information
  • Use a range of conservation equipment 

How the module will be assessed

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment: Mechanical air abrading of a nail under supervision, feedback on gapfilling practical.

 

Summative Assessment: 100% coursework – Multiple choice test on x-radiography (20%), providing an annotated photograph of a coin assessing multiple cleaning techniques (30%), providing a technical report assessing multiple cleaning techniques on a painted block (50%).

 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Reassessment will take the form of coursework undertaken during the Spring Semester teaching period. The requirement that students demonstrate an ability to carry out practical laboratory based tasks will limit the availability of alternative forms of assessment.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 20 X-Radiography N/A
Written Assessment 30 Metals Practical @ 1000 Words N/A
Written Assessment 50 Solvation Practical @1500 Words N/A

Syllabus content

Syllabus content

Attendance at lectures and practical classes is mandatory.

 

  • Introduction to conservation ethics
  • Safety procedures and COSHH, good practice & safety sign up
  • X-radiography theory
  • X-radiography practical
  • Mechanical cleaning
  • Chemical cleaning
  • Cleaning practical coins and blocks
  • Adhesives
  • Gap filling
  • In-painting theory & practical

 

Students will undertake practical classes where their ability to understand and apply conservation theory will be developed using real cultural heritage artefacts. They will carry out precise cleaning tasks which require a good level of fine motor control. Students will also need good colour vision, and be able to visually examine objects utilising appropriate equipment such as microscopes (sometimes using them for significant periods of time to carry out tasks). Students are encouraged to discuss any specific access needs with staff in advance of taking this module.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Essential Reading and Resource List

The module will introduce students to a range of reading, such as conference publications, journals and edited compilations. Students will be encouraged to undertake reading from all these sources and may use additional web sources such as manufactures data, safety information, museums and heritage related sites. Additional resources for the laboratory work can be found on the SHARE CL module on Learning Central.

 

Horie, C.V. (1998) Materials for Conservation. Architectural Press.

Background Reading and Resource List

Background Reading and Resource List

American Institute For Conservation (AIC) (1994) AIC Code Of Ethics And Guidelines For Practice. http://www.conservation-us.org/about-us/core-documents/code-of-ethics-and-guidelines-for-practice#.VnpoUp1FAdU (accessed 23/12/15)

 

ICON The Institue of Conservation (2014) ICON Code of Conduct. http://icon.org.uk/system/files/documents/icon_code_of_conduct.pdf (accessed 23/12/15)

 

V & A (2004) Victoria and Albert Museum Conservation Department Ethics Checklist Background

Document 2004 http://media.vam.ac.uk/media/documents/legacy_documents/file_upload/27932_file.pdf (accessed 23/12/15)

 

Buys, S. and Oakley, V. (1993) Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics. Butterworths (Chapter 7 – cleaning)

 

Cronyn, J.M.. (1990) The Elements of Archaeological Conservation Routledge, London.

 

English Heritage (2006) Guidelines on the X-radiography of archaeological metalwork. https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/x-radiography-of-archaeological-metalwork/xradiography.pdf/ (accessed 23/12/15)

 

Feller, R.L., Stolow, N.E. and Jones, N.  (1971) On Picture Varnishes and their Solvents. 2nd ed. Cleveland. Ohio Press.

 

Gettens, R.J . and Stought. L. (1966) Painting Materials - a Short Encyclopaedia. New York. Dover publications inc.

 

 

International Council Of Museums (ICOM) (2004) Code Of Ethics For Museums. Revised By The 21st General ICOM Assembly In Seoul 8th October 2004 Edn.

 

Kinloch (1987) Adhesion And Adhesives. Chapman And Hall.

 

Koob S. (1986) the use of Paraloid B-72 as an adhesive: its application for archaeological ceramics and other material,. Studies in Conservation 31. 7-14.

 

Lang J. and Middleton A. (2005). Radiography Of Cultural Material. 2nd Edn. Amsterdam ; London: Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann

 

O'Connor, Sonia ; Brooks, M.M. (2007) X-Radiography of Textiles, Dress and Related Objects. Kidlington: Butterworth-Heinemann.

 

Moncrief, A., Weaver, G. (1983) Cleaning. Science for Conservators Book 2 Routledge/Museums and Galleries Commission.

 

Phenix, A. & Burnstock, A (1992) Removal of surface dirt on paintings with chelating agents, The Conservator 16. 28-37

 

Richmond, A. and Bracker, A. (2009) (Eds). Conservation Principles, Dilemmas and Uncomfortable Truths. London: Butterworth-

Heinemann and the V&A Museum

 

Thornton J. (1998) A brief history and review of the early practice and materials of gap-filling in the west, Journal Of The American Institute For Conservation 37. 3-22.

 

Torraca, G. (1975) Solubility and Solvents for Conservation Problems. International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property Rome.

 

Watkinson D. (2006) Ethical Challenges In The Conservation Of Cultural Material. Chapter 11. In Gunning J. And Holm S. (Eds.), Ethics, Law And Society. Vol. 2. Aldershot ; Burlington, Vt: Ashgate. 95-108.


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855