The Conservation Department is responsible for the preservation, conservation, investigation and display of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collections. Combining an expert knowledge of material science, outstanding practical expertise and underpinned by scientific analysis and research, staff are able to interpret deteriorated surfaces, evaluate the provenance, authenticity and restoration history of an object. Using this knowledge we can help the Museum find new and innovative ways to display the collections, establish safe transit of objects when touring exhibitions nationally and internationally whilst still ensuring that they are safeguarded for future generations.
We share our expertise with colleagues around the world and have also benefited from many collaborations with external institutes. The Department provides training and development within conservation and conservation science through internships, work placements and by hosting the first work-based conservation NVQ in the country. Along with producing the annual V&A Conservation Journal which highlights the work of the Department, many of our team have, and continue to publish internationally.