Caring for collections
Our Conservation Development Officer provides advice and support for all the museums across Devon and the surrounding areas on how to look after the objects in their collections.
For more information contact helena.jaeschke@exeter.gov.uk
Conservation Development Officer, Helena Jaeschke, in her own words
Why is it important to properly conserve Devon’s historical artefacts?
As individuals we have very short memories, these collections provide a lasting record to preserve the unique opportunities to learn from them and human stories behind them.
How vital is the contribution of the collections of smaller, independent museums to maintaining a picture of Devon’s past?
Their contribution is crucial as they can provide a level of detail none of the larger museums can handle. Without them their connection to the local history and the unique, human stories behind how the collections came to be would be lost.
As Conservation Development Officer what assistance can you provide to those museums who wish to preserve their collections?
I can give advice on improving the conditions in which their collections were held, directing them to the materials they need at the possible lowest cost. I also provide training on the best and safest ways to handle, store display and maintain their collections. I can also put them in touch with professional conservators and help them to acquire funding if they require it.
Could you briefly outline the aims and your hopes for the project?
From the outset the aim has been to “Help each museum up a step”. We know it’s unrealistic to ask everyone to maintain an ideal standard but if we can enable small manageable improvements then the lasting impact will be huge.
