CONSERVATION AND DISPLAY
I have worked with archaeological institutes, anthropology collections, universtities and museums in the US, UK and across Asia as an objects conservator, mount-maker, technical historian and researcher. I specialize in the care, handling, display and study of material religion.
I have worked with bone, textiles, ceramics, metals, wood, stone, decorated surfaces, painted scrolls, paper, ivory, leather and basketry. I also have experience with preventive care, risk management, hazards training, and pesticide remediation.
My professional interest is finding resourceful, sustainable and minimally invasive solutions for the display, renewal, and inclusive custodianship of material culture, and in facilitating safe access to collections.
Reducing pesticide residues, active mold and evidence of water damage on a wooden shield, 2022
(Photos by Lily Stancliffe, MAA)
Wooden horse from eastern India with powdery paint and a fragile surface with evidence of historic use, 2023
Checking light levels for the displays at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge, 2022
Before treatment
After treatment
Before treatment
After treatment with a solution of funori in water applied by dahlia sprayer
Mitigating Bynesian decay and glass disease on shells and beads on an object from north Africa and currently in the collection at MAA, 2021
Stabilizing a Tibetan beaded apron made from carved human bone by attaching it to a fabric support, object in the collection of the Fowler Museum at UCLA, 2013
Structural repair and visual reintegration of a Tang dynasty ceramic at the Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Archaeology in Xi’an, 2012
Fitting a custom mount in brass for the display of an American Civil War-era military sword at the Fowler Museum, Los Angeles, USA, 2016
Fitting a custom mount at the Fowler Museum, 2016
Custom mounts for an installation by Gala Porras-Kim at Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, 2016
Reinforcing a human skeleton in situ, Sudan, 2015
As an artist, I also have 20+ years experience in fabrication, handling and installation.
FURTHER EXAMPLES
Using local materials and techniques to reinforce a damaged thang ka (scroll painting), Department of Culture, Thimphu Bhutan, 2013-14
Testing pastes made with locally available starches
Damaged thang ka, before treatment
Lining the thang ka with potato starch paste
Soap nut (Sapindus spp.) used locally as a detergent
Testing soap nut for washing the textile components of thang ka
Removing the previous treatment and re-assembling the Stele of Phimeanakas at the National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, 2013-14
Cleaning and condition reporting with the Department of Archaeology, Colombo, 2012
Evaluating the effects of electrical lighting recently installed in a painted temple interior
Before
After