Conservation

Durham University is committed to caring for its collections, ensuring the long-term preservation of these unique objects whilst making them accessible for students, researchers and visitors.

Palace Green Library is home to the Conservation Unit where archives and special collections items receive attention from professionally trained Conservators. The materials that archival documents and printed books are made from are at risk of deteriorating as they age and are vulnerable to damage if not stored and handled carefully. Conservators use a combination of preservation measures to slow deterioration and interventive repair to stabilise fragile items.

Our collection care activities include:

Preservation

• Monitoring of temperature and humidity in storage and exhibition areas so optimal preservation conditions are maintained
• Construction of custom exhibition mounts
• Packaging items and making made-to-measure boxes
• Providing training for staff on handling and collections care issues
• Decontamination of new accessions

Conservation

• Repair of paper and parchment documents
• Book conservation and binding
• Conservation of maps and architectural plans

The Conservation Unit does not undertake work for external clients but the team are happy to provide advice on collections care.