Audio on demand

Eric Archer reflects on the achievements in the conservation professions and the incorporation of conservators into mainstream collections management structures. He also raises the issue of how to open up objects in non-displayed collections.

Roslyn Russell examines the development of the Significance publication and suggests that the preservation of an object’s function in the conservation process is important where the function is an integral part of the object’s significance.

Maryanne McCubbin discusses the development of three strands of collection workers over the past 30 years: curators, collection managers and conservators.

Following on from last year’s presentation on light levels, Nicki Smith examines the latest developments in risk management and light levels.

Jennifer Sanders looks at seven themes in the history of curatorial practice: farewell the keepers, age of managerialism, out of the silos into the world, tipping the iceberg, curating in a digital world, telling stories and go beyond the walls.

Conservator David Hallam and curator Guy Hansen discuss the process of restoring the Royal Daimler.

Christopher Snelling provides a case study on how the Powerhouse Discovery Centre and collection stores at Castle Hill have been developed and opened to the public.

Margy Burn from the National Library of Australia, Michael Crayford from the National Maritime Museum and John Greenwood from the University of Canberra review the themes discussed during the day with Louise Douglas from the National Museum of Australia.

Greer Gehrt and Eric Archer discuss the development of a business case for a new Centre for the National Museum of Australia Collections that balances passive design and collection management needs.

Mathew Trinca proposes that at the heart of museums lies a deep commitment to the idea that our material lives are worth recording and that our heritage objects provide insights into the circumstances and meaning of human life.