Looking for information about how to look after collections?
The South West has published a number of documents relating to caring for collections as part of MLA's 'Signposts' series. The topics covered are:
Looking for a Conservator?
Renaissance South West supports Conservation Development Office Helena Jaeschke, based at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, to support all museums in the region and to advise on collection care issues. Helena maintains a list of conservators working throughout the South West region and can advise on all aspects of choosing and working with a conservator.
The Conservation Register is a free website used nationally by museums and individuals to find organisations and accredited conservators specialising in various types of collections and projects. Use the website by searching the type of object needing treatment and your postcode.
You can also contact the conservation departments at Bristol's Museum, Galleries and Archives, Plymouth Museum and Art Galleries, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham or alternatively, contact the Museum Development Officer in your region.
Looking for information and advice on insect pests?
Insect pests can cause a great deal of damage to collections. It is important to regularly look for signs of insect activity, especially checking sticky traps to see what species are in the building. All new items should be kept in quarantine until they are carefully examined and, if necessary, treated before they are brought into the collection. Further advice is available from the Conservation Development Officer, Helena Jaeschke.
Looking for information and advice on Disaster Planning?
A template and guidance on preparing an Emergency Plan are available from the Conservation Development Officer, Helena Jaeschke. Bristol's Museum, Galleries and Archives has a very useful fold-up sheet summarising the organisation's Emergency Plan. It is carried by members of staff who respond to emergencies and acts as a quick reminder of the essential actions to take in an emergency. An edited copy is available from the museum's conservation department.
Business continuity is increasingly recognised as part of a museum's planning needs- the Emergency Plan may form part of an overall Business Continuity Plan. Extensive guidance can be found on the DCMS website.