Conservation science (cultural heritage)

With respect to cultural heritage, conservation science is the interdisciplinary study of conservation of art, architecture, and other cultural works through the use of scientific inquiry. General areas of research include the technology and structure of artistic and historic works and the materials and media from which they are made.

Conservation scientists use scientific methods and principles to support work in the fields of art conservation and architectural conservation, and care of cultural objects in museums and other collections. Cultural conservation science work includes identifying the materials that make up a structure or piece of art including their chemical makeup, identifying and cataloging changes that cause deterioration and developing methods to mitigate deterioration of cultural heritage.

In many countries, including the United Kingdom and Italy, conservation science is considered part of the broader field called 'Heritage Science' which also encompasses scientific aspects less directly related to cultural heritage conservation, as well its management and interpretation. "Conservation Science" also refers to the science that guides conservation of the environment and natural resources.

There are three broad categories of conservation science with respect to cultural heritage: 1) thorough examination and analysis, 2) study of the causes of deterioration, and 3) improving materials and techniques. Conservation science includes aspects of chemistry, physics and biology as well as engineering.

External links

• Centre for Doctoral Training in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage and Archaeology at UCL, University of Oxford and University of Brighton
• AIC/NU Art Conservation Science
• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
• Canadian Conservation Institute
• Getty Conservation Institute
• Heritage Science Masters at UCL Centre for Sustainable Heritage
• Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione e il Restauro, Rome
• Italian Risk Map of the Cultural Heritage.
• National Archives and Records Administration Preservation Programs
• Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, peer-reviewed open access journal, University of Bologna.
• Italian Association of Conservation Scientists
• Heritage Science
• Observatorio para la Investigación en Conservación del Patrimonio
• Plan Nacional de Investigación en Conservación (España)