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Archaeological Conservation
Conservation stabilises an item, archaeological conservation has the same aim but is working in and on different conditions and materials. While in the ground, the environment is stable and the artefacts have generally stabilised within that environment. Once excavated and exposed to different and changing environmental conditions, artefacts can rapidly deteriorate. With a comprehensive understanding of both archaeology and conservation, Endangered Heritage can intercede in the deterioration process and stabilise artifacts of a multitude of material types before the research potential is lost.
Endangered Heritage also offers Finds Management, which is often integrated with archaeological conservation in the field, allowing a conservator to assess the conditions of the excavated objects as soon as possible, photograph the artefacts before any deterioration occurs, and advise on or do the storage of the objects to best stabilise them in their new environment.
The Archaeological Conservation Department at Endangered Heritage consists of two trained Archaeologists, who are also trained Conservators, along with Conservators of other specialisations working across varied departments.
Archaeological Conservation
Archaeological Conservation can cover everything from Ancient Egyptian Bronzes to Bakelite Plastic and everything in between. This makes it imperative to have a team with a range of experiences, who still have a comprehensive understanding of archaeological conditions.
Finds Management
With the creation of a database of finds, the information gathered from an archaeological excavation can be utilised straight away. As part of this service, Endangered Heritage also dry brushes the finds to remove damaging dirt, and then stores the finds in archival materials to stop deterioration while still in the field and once in long term storage.
This also ensures that finds of particular interest are ready to be shown to stakeholders when needed.
Storage Advice
Archival storage is of paramount importance for archaeological finds as they have been removed from an environmentally stable condition and will be reacting and deteriorating rapidly as they try to re-stabilise.
These processes can be interrupted with the right storage solutions. However, each material type required different conditions.
The team at Endangered Heritage can advise you or your client on how to best store these archaeological finds.
Monitoring Works
With experience in monitoring work for infrastructure projects, Endangered Heritage is available to complete monitoring works or to complement your team.
Archaeological Excavation
Endangered Heritage has two trained archaeologists on staff available to assist with any excavation needs.
With experience in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Tasmania in Australia, and the Philippines, the United States of America internationally. We have worked on both history and indigenous sites.
Bretony Colville
Senior Objects Conservator and Head Archaeological Conservator
Endangered Heritage 's resident overachiever, Bretony is the only person in Australia with qualifications in both Archelogy and Conservation. While she specialises in Objects Conservation, particularly Archaeological Conservation, she is also adding to her skills as a Textiles Conservator. Her specialisations in Archaeological Conservation include metals, waterlogged wood and leather, ceramics and glass, in addition to storage and transport.
Although Bretony is no slouch academically, with her two Bachelor Degrees and a Masters, her experience conducting archaeological fieldwork and archaeological conservation all around the world, plus her insights as a member of the ICON and ICOMOS, makes her a valuable asset to any team.
For any enquiries on how Bretony can add value to your projects, email her at bretony.colville@endangeredheritage.com.