Cultural Materials Conservation
The Cultural Materials Conservation program is the only one of its kind in Australia combining both the theory and practice of cultural material conservation.
We offer teaching and research out of the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, Victoria’s leading art conservation and restoration centre.
Students gain access to our state-of-the-art laboratory; unique interdisciplinary expertise across the Faculties of Arts and Science; our Grimwade Conservation Services; and The University of Melbourne’s 30 cultural collections.
We have a strong research track record and ongoing collaborative research programs with partners in Australia, China, East Timor, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Explore our research
Our research projects are varied and unique, united by the goal of enabling individuals and communities to explore their past, create identity and community in the present, and access their heritage into the future.
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Conserving Australia's cultural record
Our cultural record is the history of Australia's identity. Unless care is taken to conserve it with a clear cultural understanding, its context could be lost. Learn about the work we're doing with Gija Elders, artists and staff at the Warmun Art Centre in Western Australia's Kimberley Region.
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The PolyMuse project
Our museums are increasingly filled with plastic and polymer-based items, which have a relatively short life expectancy. We're working with some of the country's leading museum professionals and scientists to develop better methods for preserving these items for future generations.
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Rebuilding cultural heritage after disaster
In 2013, an earthquake devastated the Philippines. Find out how our team of conservators went beyond conventional cultural conservation practices and involved the local community in the restoration of their churches.
Study with us
Explore cultural materials conservation from philosophical, intellectual and scientific domains of practice with senior heritage professionals and conservators. Find out more about studying:
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
- Master of Arts (Thesis Only)
- Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis)
- Master of Cultural Materials Conservation (by Coursework)
- Principles of Cultural Materials Conservation Handbook entry
- Doctor of Philosophy – Arts
Learn more about applying for Graduate research, as well as our non-award, one-week Chemistry bridging course for students without a chemistry background.
Read our stories
Learn more about our people, work and research through our news and articles.
Meet our Cultural Materials Conservation staff
Our academics are leading teachers, researchers and industry practitioners, who are highly regarded for their significant contribution to the field. Professor Robyn Sloggett has been awarded The Order of Australia, and Dr Nicole Tse has been awarded Conservator of the Year by the Australian Institute for Conservation of Cultural Materials.
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Dr Jonathan Kemp
Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation; Cultural Materials Conservation Discipline Chair
Phone: +61390356088
Email: jonathan.kemp@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Robyn Sloggett
Director, Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation; Cripps Foundation Chair
Phone: +61383446455
Email: rjslog@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Nicole Tse
Senior Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation
Phone: +61383440354
Email: nicoleat@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Robert Lazarus
Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation
Phone: +61383443760
Email: robert.lazarus@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Petronella Nel
Senior Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation
Phone: +61383446049
Email: pnel@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Paula Dredge
Teaching Specialist
Phone: +61383440458
Email: paula.dredge@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Sadra Zekrgoo
Mary Lugton Postdoctoral Fellow
Phone: +61390356038
Email: sadra.zekrgoo@unimelb.edu.au