The Conservation Science section collaborates with Tate conservators and curators, as well as colleagues in other museums and universities, to carry out research across several areas of priority with regard to Tate's collection.
Conservation scientists concentrate on the investigation of artists' materials and techniques, and on studying those parts of the collection that are difficult to conserve and poorly understood in terms of construction and materials. They also develop and provide materials' analysis to support conservation and collections activities. The section has a small number of core staff and much research must therefore be externally funded.
Tate's Conservation Scientists work with a range of museum professionals to ensure that buildings and facilities, such as air-conditioning and lighting systems, are operated effectively, and that staff and the public are not endangered by any hazardous materials.
In addition, they provide information and advice on the safe display, storage and transport of works of art. These activities prevent deterioration of the collection and loans to the collection in the longer term.
The section promotes a constructive and far-sighted approach to the use and conservation of the collection. Fundamental to this work is the widespread dissemination of research and knowledge through publications, lectures and training, both to the conservation profession and beyond that to the general public. Conservation science staff publish frequently in specialist conservation literature and have also produced more widely accessible books on artists' materials and techniques (see Tate Publishing). Recently, more information is becoming available online in the form of web pages and online publications such as Tate Papers.
Stephen Hackney, Head of Science Conservation
February 2007
Established: (1986: first appointment) 1992
Conservators: 3 conservation scientists, 1 Information coordinator, 4 funded researchers
Technicians & administrative staff: 0
Range of activity:
To provide scientific expertise and skills for conservation objectives, by setting up
research projects to investigate challenging conservation problems, by increasing our
knowledge of the collection through materials analysis and by working with conservators
to provide solutions to the problems posed.
