Introduction

UKIC drew up Guidance for Conservation Practice in 1981 and published a revised version in 1983. This has been accepted by all branches of conservation in the UK. It has been felt, however, that some points need to be expanded, and new ones added, to deal with the particular needs of the members of the Archaeology Section. So, using the parent body's guidance document as a basis, the following has been drawn up by Karen Wardley.

The purpose of Archaeological Conservation

Archaeological conservation is the means by which the true nature of an object is revealed and preserved. The true nature of an archaeological object includes evidence of the technology and materials used in its original construction and any subsequent pre-burial modifications, its usage, and the circumstances and nature of its burial environment. Repairs or alterations made subsequent to its excavation may also be significant to the object's history, in which case they too should be fully recorded and/or preserved. Decisions on appropriate action should be made in conjunction with other specialists, e.g. archaeologists, curators, fmds researchers - after careful examination and research.

In order not to change the true nature of the object, certain rules should be observed in its care and maintenance. Since it is the conservator who has the power to preserve or distort its true nature, the following describes the responsibility of the archaeological conservator to the object.

The Archaeological Conservator and the Object

General obligations
All professional actions of the archaeological conservator are governed by a respect for the physical, historic and aesthetic integrity of the object. Responsibility for the welfare of the object should begin when the object is removed from its burial environment, and continue through all the post-excavation stages. Concern for its future should include protection against further deterioration, damage and loss.

One standard With every object he or she undertakes to conserve, regardless of any opinion of its value or quality, the archaeological conservator should adhere to the highest and most exacting standard of treatment. Archaeological objects are often of no great fmancial or artistic worth, but are important for the archaeological and technological evidence they can provide. Although circumstances may limit the extent of treatment, the quality should never be lowered. While special techniques may be required during the treatment of large groups of objects, these procedures should be consistent with respect for the integrity of the individual objects.

Suitability of treatment: reversibility The archaeological conservator should not perform or recommend any treatment which is not appropriate to the preservation of the object. The archaeological conservator should endeavour to use techniques and materials which, to the best of current knowledge, will not endanger the true nature of the object, either immediately or in the long term, and which will not impede further treatment or the retrieval of information through scientific examination. There should be nainimum intervention to objects destined for scientific analysis.

In the knowledge that few treatments are completely reversible, the archaeological conservator should evaluate carefully the possible effects of any techniques or materials, and where possible select those which current research shows will alter the object to the least possible extent, and which can be reversed most easily and completelywith the least damage to the object. An improvement in conditions of display, storage or use may often be preferable to physical intervention.

Nothing should be removed from an object unless there is sufficient evidence that it is not part of the original condition of the object, or indicative of the object's use or history.

Examination and records Before carrying out any treatment, the archaeological conservator should first make an adequate examination of the object and all available documentation. Where appropriate, he or she should consult the relevant specialists in order to record the object's condition and history, and to establish the causes of its deterioration. A full record of methods and materials used should be kept as a permanent, accessible archive, preferably with the rest of the object's documentation.

Restoration It is unethical to modify or conceal the true nature of an object through restoration. The presence and extent of restoration must be detectable, though it need not be conspicuous. Materials used must be compatible with the future welfare of the object, and all restorations must be fully documented in an accessible form.

Professional Competence and Knowledge

Recognition of limitations
Conservation and investigation should be undertaken only within the limits of the archaeological conservator's professional competence and facilities. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the archaeological conservator to keep up with current knowledge, and to continue to develop skills so as to give the best treatment possible.

Disclosure of knowledge There should be no secrecy about any technique or materials used in conservation. The development of a new method of treatment or a new material, and the composition and properties of all materials and techniques employed, should be fully disclosed as far as they are known. The originator is expected to co-operate with other conservators and conservation scientists employing or evaluating the proposed new methods or materials. Commercial products protected by trademark or copyright should be thoroughly tested before being applied to archaeological objects, and, wherever possible, products of known composition should be used in preference.

Professional Relationships

Colleagues
It is the responsibility of the archaeological conservator, as the person with the necessary technical knowledge, to uphold the best interests of the object, and to give an honest opimon as to the best course of treatment. Unqualified persons, however, should be discouraged from carrying out conservation work on their own, and advice on speciflc treatments should be given only to another conservator.

It is the duty of the archaeological conservator, when dealing with freshiy excavated material, to liaise at the earliest opportunity with the archaeologist conducting an excavation to ensure that correct procedures are followed for the well-being of the object from the time of its excavation until it reaches the laboratory. Before starting to treat an object, an archaeological conservator should consider the advice of colleagues and those responsible for the object, and the needs of finds researchers, curators, iliustrators and other parties involved in the publication, storage or display of the object. It is the duty of the archaeological conservator at all appropriate times to volunteer advice to the owner or those responsible on the subsequent care of a conserved object with regard to its handling, transportation, packaging and conditions of storage and display.

Trainees
The archaeological conservator has a responsibility to encourage trainees to acquire qualifications recognised by UKIC, and where possible actively to assist in their education. Adequate time should be set aside for this. However, training and instruction in conservation should only be given within the limits of the archaeological conservator's knowledge and competence, and the facilities available.

Delegating and sub-contracting
If the archaeological conservator delegates work on objects, he or she is directly responsible for the work. This includes work delegated to trainees, subordluates or outslde agencies. Work should not be delegated or sub-contracted unless the archaeological conservator can direcfly supervise it, or has sufficient knowledge of the agent.

Education of the public
Whenever the opportunity arises, the archaeological conservator should educate the public in the aims and activities of the profession, to increase public awareness and understanding of archaeological conservation.

Health and safety
Archaeological conservators should familiarise themselves and comply with current health and safety legal requirements to ensure their own safety, that of other workers, and any other person who may be affected by their acts.

Copyright © Archaeology Section, UKIC 1990