The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation works in partnership with people and their communities to secure the cultural health of the nation and our region, ensuring the survival of critical records and cultural practices.
The work of the Institute is based on the belief that access to cultural, historical and scientific heritage is at the heart of human capability. Cultural material that is well-preserved, secure and authentic is important for community empowerment, freedom of speech, democracy and institutional integrity.
Our work makes a unique contribution to cultural replenishment, education, social justice and strong communities, creating a new community of scholarship for the purpose.
The Institute was established with generous financial support from Minsmere Pty Ltd, as a subsidiary of the Cripps Foundation. This built on the donation from the Foundation in 2013 which established the Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation and supported the creation of purpose-built, state-of-the-art conservation teaching and research laboratories at The Grimwade Centre. The Cripps Family has been a deeply engaged partner of and philanthropic donor to the Grimwade Centre for over 25 years.
Mission and Values
The Cripps Institute’s mission is to develop research, education and partnerships to strengthen the cultural health of people and their communities. Our cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary research environment fosters inclusive access through scholarships and career pathways, strengthens regional and global partnerships, and integrates research and teaching to support the next generation of leaders in cultural conservation. We drive investment in new research, innovation in policy, and cutting-edge practice to deliver outcomes through leadership, advocacy and education.
History
The Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation was established in 2025 as a University-wide institute at the University of Melbourne. Building on the pioneering work of the Grimwade Centre, the Cripps Institute aims to address pressing global challenges to cultural heritage, including climate change, armed conflict, economic impact and the growing demand for specialist conservation expertise.
The University’s commitment to cultural conservation began in 1989 with the establishment of the University of Melbourne Conservation Service supported by the bequest of Sir Russell and Lady Mab Grimwade. It was later renamed the Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre in recognition of generous support from the Ian Potter Foundation.
1987 - The University of Melbourne’s recognition of the discipline began with the establishment of the University of Melbourne Conservation Service and employment of a part- time conservator to service the Universities collections of cultural material, conduct research, contribute to teaching and provide fee-for-service to the public. The Sir Russell and Lady Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Bequest provided financial support for the employment of the University Conservator.
1990 - The Ian Potter Foundation supported the refurbishment of a laboratory which was subsequently renamed the Ian Potter Art Conservation Centre.
2004 - The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation was established as an academic centre, a joint initiative of the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science and the Ian Potter Museum of Art in recognition of the potential for unique interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of Cultural Materials Conservation. The Centre enrolled its first cohort of students in the Master by Coursework in Cultural Materials Conservation.
2010 - The Centre’s client-based services, now known as Grimwade Conservation Services, was transferred from the Faculty of Arts to UoM Commercial Ltd, a commercial subsidiary of the University of Melbourne.
2014 – The Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation received a major philanthropic gift from the Cripps Foundation of $6.9 million to support the establishment of the Grimwade Centre and a professorial chair.
2015 - The Grimwade Centre was built on Swanston Street. Research, learning and teaching in cultural materials conservation is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories to enable future generations of specialist art conservators.
2017 - Professor Robyn Sloggett becomes the Inaugural Cripps Foundation Chair in Cultural Materials Conservation, thanks to the generosity of the Cripps Foundation.
2025 - Gift from Cripps Foundation, launch of the Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation.
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Our people
Learn about our research and academic team, professional staff and conservation staff.
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Giving and support
Support the work of the Robert Cripps Institute by donating to the Warmun Arts Centre - Grimwade Centre Partnership, or the William Snoek Conservation Fund.
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Contact and connect
Get in touch and learn about where we are located.