We look after our collections by making sure that they are kept in the right conditions and by making sure people handle them correctly. We have trained conservators who can repair documents and books.
People can look at the archives because the collections are properly cared for. The documents and books are stored in strong rooms with the right conditions where they can be kept clean and dry.
All staff make sure items are handled correctly and ask readers to help support them in this. When items are damaged, the conservators repair them so they can by handled by the public.
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Conservation is the repair of damaged documents and books. This stops the collections becoming damaged, things such as proper handling, checking the conditions documents are stored in and having a disaster response plan.
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The people who repair the books, documents, maps, photographs, audio and film recordings in our collections are called conservators.
The archives and local studies service has one paper conservator and one book conservator.
Conservators learn about structure, materials and chemistry so that damaged documents can be mended and made usable.
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There is a conservation workshop in the Treasure House to help care for our collections. This has been fitted out with the specialised equipment and tools the conservators need to do their work.
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Yes, the conservation workshop in the Treasure House has a viewing window so the public can see the conservators at work.
You can also arrange for a guided tour of the Treasure House , which can include a look around the conservation workshop. Please contact us by completing the archive service request form (opens in a new window) or telephone us on (01482) 392790 to organise a visit.
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Yes you can. Our readers play an important part in helping to look after our collections. By reading and observing our handling guidelines, you will help to look after our written heritage. You can also help by pointing out to staff documents that are damaged so that our conservators can keep a record of the work that needs to be done.
The following document is the handling guidelines for the research room.
Handling guidelines (pdf 46kb opens in new window)
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There are many documents in our collections that are damaged so the priority of the conservation workshop has to be the repair of our own collections. We do not normally repair documents that are not part of our collections.
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If you have any questions about the work of the conservation workshop that we have not answered then please contact us by completing the general enquiry form on the right hand side of the page.
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