Conservation is the practice of retaining the integrity of an object for the
purpose of preserving its historical value. This requires maintaining the object’s condition
as effectively as possible and minimizing the risk of damage from outside factors.
Conservation is therefore defined as all forms of direct or/and indirect actions aimed at
increasing the life expectancy of (an) undamaged and/or damaged element(s) of cultural
property, safeguarding of cultural property for the future. The purpose of conservation is
to study, record, retain and restore culturally significant qualities of the cultural property
as embodied in its physical and chemical nature. Such actions includes examination,
documentation, preventive conservation, preventive treatment, restoration and
reconstruction (CAC/CAPC,2009).
Preserving the long term cultural heritage and the integrity of the museum
collection is a very important responsibility of the conservator. The conservator focuses
on the care and management of the museum collection from further deterioration and
damage. Preventive conservation is therefore a very important step that involves
maintaining an enabling environment that will stop, or at the very least, slow down the
rate of deterioration of objects in the museum collection. Regular monitoring of vital
factors such as relative humidity, temperature, environmental conditions outside storage,
pest control, proper handling of the objects are just a few required to minimize object
damage or deterioration.
Preventive conservation is therefore any measure that reduces the potential for, or
prevent damage. It focuses on the wellbeing of the museum collection rather than on the
individual object; non treatment rather than treatment. Treatment involving restoration
and most at times chemical intervention. In practical terms, proper handling, good storage
and good monitoring(management) program of the museum collection are critical
elements in a preservative conservation methodology (Getty Conservation
Institute,1992).
Preventive conservation also involves the use of traditional practices, from
different cultures around the world. The people from the past, that crafted their
antiquities, were able to preserve the relics of arts for generations to see and enjoy.
These antiques, and beautiful relics of arts told stories of old and were preserved using
natural resources available to them then. Such natural materials including smoke house,
Palm oil, etc. They also had practices of good housekeeping; storing the objects in
boxes or chests; covering with cloth to avoid dust, etc . These traditional practices are still
very much in use today as it proves a non intrusive method of conservation.
Regardless of whether modern or traditional methods and materials used, only if
artifacts are valued, preservative routine should be established. By understanding the
wide range of materials found in archeological, historical and contemporary works, and the museums by which objects deteriorate, we can address their stabilization and long term preservation. We can use a combination of old and new techniques to achieve this.
Some conservation practice is grounded in long standing tradition and we also innovate
and develop new conservation techniques and approaches. The primary objective is
understanding the approaches, application and execution of preventive conservation and
maintenance of the museum collection should be done with care and precision. In
practical terms, these actions taken are cost effective as the museum and heritage industry
invariably has limited resources.
In conclusion, preventive conservation emphasizes non intrusive actions taken to
prevent damage and/or minimize deterioration of museum collection. Such actions
includes monitoring and evaluation of recorded levels of environmental agents like light
sources, relative humidity, temperature, etc; regular inspection and appraisal of recorded
condition reports of the museum collection; controlling environmental factors, such as
pest control, proper storage and handling. A simple good housekeeping routine should
also be encouraged. Overall, an effective preventive conservation program will greatly
minimize the need for costly restoration treatment.
