Kelvin james <[log in to unmask]> asked:

   " I have a question about object Conservation and Treatment. Can I know
what's the different with Conservation and Treatment? Conservation =
Treatment? or Treatment comes after Conservation?"

Treatment is an element of Conservation, where a conservator will physically
change an object in some way, in order to remove or reverse damage and/or
deterioration to maximise the longevity of the object. Ideally, a treatment will
not change or remove original material of an object, and processes of the
treatment will be reversible. In practice, this is last point is very difficult
to achieve, and most conservators these days will aim for a "retreatable"
treatment, rather than a "reversible" treatment.

Conservation usually covers more than just Treatment. A good Conservator or
Conservation team in a museum will also concern themselves with ensuring the
longevity of objects by indirect means. This is known as "preventive
conservation", and involves controlling the environment in which objects are
stored or displayed. A preventive conservation programme will address issues
such as temperature, relative humidity, dust levels, light levels, pest
management, objects supports, and chemical and mechanical stability of storage
materials.

I hope this answers your query.

George Bailey
Objects Conservator
Australian War Memorial

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