Archaeological conservation

The objects consultancy lab at Grimwade Conservation Services has been engaged in archaeological conservation since 2004 and has staff members with over 20 years of field and lab based archaeological conservation experience.

Grimwade Conservation Services are the key service provider to two University archaeology collections in Victoria and to an archaeological museum. Grimwade Conservation Services conservators work in accordance with the Australian Institute of Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) code of Ethics and Code of Practice.

Grimwade Conservation Services staff are Quarantine Accredited Persons (Classes 2 to 8). The role and the responsibilities of Accredited Persons is to reduce quarantine risks. Accredited Persons have the ability to identify quarantine risks and how processing and treatments may reduce these risks. Staff hold certificates in: working at heights; general construction (white ticket) and elevated work platform operation.

Grimwade Conservation Services can provide:

Expertise and advice in the field
Immediate field response for highly significant artefacts with urgent conservation needs
Artefact Conservation Proposal (ACP) for significant artefacts in accordance with s129(4b) of the Heritage Act
Advice on management of artefacts from sites with unusual or challenging conditions
Testing to identify salts present and determine if desalination is required
Desalination of objects containing salts from marine, intertidal or terrestrial sites
Treatment of organic (wood, leather, plant fibre, textile) and inorganic (iron and copper alloys, ceramic and stone) materials
Storage supports for objects which require support
Detailed condition reports of treatment undertaken
Facilitate analysis

Grimwade Conservation Services can contribute to research questions and publications.

Expertise and Experience

Since 2004, the Objects Consultancy Lab at Grimwade Conservation Services has been at the forefront of archaeological conservation. Our team boasts over two decades of field and laboratory experience, ensuring the highest standards of care for archaeological artefacts.

Key Partnerships and Accreditations

Primary conservation partner for two University archaeology collections in Victoria
Service provider to a prominent archaeological museum
Adherence to the Australian Institute of Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) Code of Ethics and Code of Practice
Staff are Quarantine Accredited Persons (Classes 2 to 8), trained to identify and mitigate quarantine risks
Additional certifications: working at heights, general construction (white ticket), and elevated work platform operation

Our Services

Field Expertise

On-site consultations and immediate response for urgent conservation needs
Artefact Conservation Proposals (ACP) for significant finds, compliant with s129(4b) of the Heritage Act

Specialised Conservation

Management advice for challenging site conditions
Salt identification and desalination processes
Treatment of organic materials (wood, leather, plant fibre, textile)
Conservation of inorganic materials (iron, copper alloys, ceramic, stone)

Documentation and Analysis

Detailed condition reports and treatment documentation
Facilitation of scientific analysis
Custom storage solutions for delicate artefacts

Research Collaboration

Contribution to academic research and publications

Contact us

Need conservation advice? Get in touch.