Our best practice techniques are supported by conservation
science research.
We use analytical research to explore the condition, materials
and history of the objects in our care.
The department is organised as four specialist sections:
- Paper and Textiles Conservation
- Artefact Conservation
- Engineering and Furniture Conservation
- Analytical Research
Conservation and Analytical Research department
Dr Jim Tate: Head of Conservation and Analytical Research
Specific responsibility: Overall responsibility for the
departmental collections and general policy
Paper & Textile Conservation
The textile collections include costume, tapestry, flags and
banners as well as smaller objects like samplers, embroidery and
accessories. The paper collections feature works of art, archives,
photographs and social history documents including materials as
diverse as papyrus and mica.
- Lynn McClean ACR: Head of Section and Textile Conservator
- Irene Kirkwood: Textile Conservator
- Miriam Mcleod: Assistant Textile Conservator
- Victoria Hanley: Paper Conservator
- Lisa Cumming ACR: Paper Conservator
Artefact Conservation
This section covers remedial and preventive conservation on
archaeological (including wet / waterlogged objects from land and
marine sites and objects coming through the Treasure Trove system),
historical and ethnographic objects as well as objects of a fairly
recent age.
- Dr Ticca Ogilvie, ACR: Head of Artefacts Conservation
- Charles Stable, ACR: Artefacts Conservator
- Diana de Bellaigue: Artefacts Conservator
- Jane Clark, ACR: Artefacts Conservator
- Jill Plitnikas, ACR: Artefacts Conservator
- Verena Kotonski: Assistant Artefacts Conservator
Engineering and Furniture Conservation
The Engineering section works on a wide range of objects,
including transport collections and aircraft. They are also
responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of working
models, engines and clocks on exhibition and for working and
engineering artefacts at all sites. The Furniture Conservator is
responsible for the treatment and care of fine furniture and wooden
artefacts throughout the collections.
- Stuart McDonald: Head of Section
Thilo Burgel: Aircraft Conservator
- Alex Walton: Assistant Aircraft Conservator
- Mike Loftus: Assistant Aircraft Conservator
Analytical Research
The Analytical Research section examines archaeological and
historical objects by scientific methods to gain information about
their condition, technology, history and use. Inorganic and organic
materials are analysed by non-destructive and micro-analytical
techniques in-house, with metals, ceramics, plastics and natural
dyes being specialities.
- Lore Troalen: Analytical Scientist
- Susy Kirk: Analytical Scientist
Nicola Galloway: Departmental Administrator
Can be contacted on 0131 247 4290 n.galloway@nms.ac.uk