Madelaine George
Culture & Heritage, 2021
Hi, my name is Madelaine and I am an emerging conservator. I am about to graduate a Master of Arts in Creative and Cultural Futures in which I have specialised in conservation, in particular paper conservation.
Whilst my undergraduate degree in Heritage, Museums and Conservation led me to specialize in the practical side of conservation, I discovered an interest in the theorical and ethical components of such work. In my teens, I discovered a love for the behind-the-scenes aspect in GLAM; how it all worked, why it worked that way and how individuals, institutions and local, national, and international bodies were looking after the world’s heritage. As a Preventive Conservation Assistant at the Australian War Memorial, she aspires to continue her interest in GLAM as an emerging conservator.
Abstract for minor thesis
This project will focus on the lack of cohesion in ethical guidelines globally within the conservation practice. In particular the project will compare the differences between built and moveable heritage in terms of their definitions, origins and use of ethical codes and charters; and the effects of both the formal guidelines present in built heritage and the informal, unaccountable guidelines we see in moveable heritage.
Whilst continuing the work of O’Keefe (1998), Fredheim and Khalaf (2016), Torre (2013) and Sease (1998), this project will investigate the divided opinions of practitioners, the perceptions of built and moveable heritage and how conservation is held to different standards across the globe; to discover why these dilemmas exist in this field and reflect on the steps forward.
By investigating the difference, guidelines and charters associated with heritage, it will assist in how conservators preserve artefacts and their decision-making process through providing an argument for clearer ethical guidelines for conservation practice, which can be developed with future research. This will benefit numerous stakeholders such as owners of heritage, institutions, and local, national, and international bodies of the sector.
Stay tuned for the upload of my thesis
Please see my portfolio for previous treatment reports
Selected Portfolio
1938 Bland Shire Map Treatment
Treatment included: - Flattening - Washing in deionised water - Deacidification - Backing - Mounting
Ungarie Map Treatment
Treatment included: - Tape removal - Mechanical cleaning with erasers - Washing in deionised water - Washing in ethanol and water - Deacidification - Bleaching - Deacidification - Backing - Mounting
Treatment Trial - Comparing Bleaching Techniques
Each bleach offered a really different result, especially in comparison to pages A and 1 that were only deacidified. The Sodium Hypochlorite had the most dramatic result although I don’t think I will use this bleach as it was very fast acting and uncontrollable, the results also look unnatural. The Hydrogen Peroxide had the least about of change as it is a rather gentle bleach – this is potential option for my project object. The Sodium Borohydride was my favourite result as it lighted the pages and had a nice and even tone to it – making it look the most natural. It also is a slow acting and controllable process – making it a potential treatment for my project object.