Merchants and Museums
Reconstructing museum specimen data through the pathways of global commerce.
Interdisciplinary research will revitalise irreplaceable zoological specimens by addressing their decaying physical condition and lack of basic information.
From 1758-1900 millions of specimens were commercially traded to and between museums and collectors, frequently without retaining the data essential to biodiversity research and cross-cultural understanding. Through the pioneering application of analytical techniques in advanced spectroscopy we will reveal composition data so as to produce a unique international resource for preventative conservation work.
The recognition of museum involvement in this global specimen trade exploits new pathways for recovering lost ecological and collection data, thus revealing further research arenas.
Impact
Internationally millions of historic museum specimens are orphaned from the collecting data that underpins their value and relevance to scientific and cultural knowledge. This project pioneers spectroscopy techniques to reconstruct data and enhance material conservation practice.
Multidisciplinary methodologies will unravel the global commercial networks of museums to reconnect zoological specimens with vital collection data essential to biodiversity research and greater public understanding.
Outcomes / activities
- Museum outcomes of enhanced learning and exhibition for the specimens
- Unprecedented data on the chemistry of these materials which will be made available through an open-access database (similar to what is currently available for pigments) for use by materials conservators and researchers
- Assist museum researchers to learn more about the origins and preservation techniques required to maintain rare specimens
- Significantly increase the international capacity to conserve these irreplaceable specimens
- Publications and conference presentations