Marie Owens

Marie Owens

Spurred on by the buzz of the first day, I was eager to get downstairs and get cracking today.

I was initially disappointed by the cancellation of a few talks but this unexpected extra time led to some very fruitful informal discussions. The energy generated by a room full of globe-wide conservators debating the pros and cons of Mulberry paper linings or the merits of Tyvek to wrap stored map rolls is not to be underestimated. This opinion sharing is obviously integral to the ethos of the week, that our shared awareness is vital, 'that knowledge sharing is power' is worth repeating.

The morning's demonstration on gelatin by Antoinette Curtis and Yuki Uchida from the Norfolk Record Office was an eye opener in terms of challenging conservation practice assumptions. We are all guilty of blindly following standard protocol with certain studio treatments. Antoinette and Yuki's determination to investigate and question these lazy habits has led to some interesting and very valuable research that will no doubt become a go-to for many in the future. I wish them all the best with the publicity for their findings. This inquisitive and thorough approach not only bolsters the conservation mantra of 'what is needed and why am I doing that?' but is something that we can certainly all learn from, whatever field we apply it to.

What a thoroughly enlightening two days!

Mary Garner