Preservation
Preservation is the practice of protecting collectibles from deterioration caused by time, environment and handling. Through appropriate storage, environmental control and care, collectors can significantly reduce the risk of damage and extend the lifespan of their collections.
Where deterioration has already begun, conservation focuses on stabilising the item and preventing further decline. Together, preservation and conservation help safeguard collectibles for future enjoyment, research and stewardship.
Every collectible is affected by a range of factors including light, temperature, humidity, pollutants, pests and physical handling. The impact of these factors varies depending on the materials involved, making appropriate storage and care essential. Effective preservation is not simply about storing an item safely; it is about understanding and managing the risks that contribute to long-term deterioration.
Environmental Control
Manage humidity, temperature, light, pollutants, pests and other environmental risks that affect collections.
Handling, Access & Display
Reduce damage caused by touching, moving, viewing, photographing, lending and displaying objects.
Preventive Conservation Principles
Understand stabilisation, minimal intervention, reversibility and the decision-making principles that guide responsible preservation.
Paper, Card & Photographic Materials
Preserve books, comics, prints, stamps, documents, trading cards, packaging, photographs and paper ephemera.
Plastics, Rubber & Modern Polymers
Recognise and manage the instability of plastics, rubber, vinyl, foam, celluloid and other synthetic materials.
Metals & Corrosion
Protect coins, medals, militaria, jewellery, tools and metal components from corrosion, tarnish and surface loss.
Textiles, Leather & Flexible Organics
Care for fabrics, clothing, flags, uniforms, dolls, upholstery, leather goods and other flexible organic materials.
Wood, Furniture & Plant-Based Materials
Preserve wooden objects, furniture, frames, carvings, veneer, basketry, bamboo, cane and related plant-based materials.
Glass, Ceramics & Stone
Manage risks to brittle inorganic objects, including chips, cracks, crazing, salts, old repairs and display stresses.
Biological & Natural History Materials
Care for bone, horn, shell, ivory, feathers, taxidermy, specimens and other sensitive biological materials.
Painted, Coated & Decorated Surfaces
Protect fragile finishes such as paint, lacquer, gilding, decals, patina, printing, varnish, plating and transfer decoration.
Mixed-Material Objects
Preserve composite collectibles where different materials age, react and fail in different ways.