Preservation of Functional Objects Workshop
This workshop gives an insight into functional objects conservation, where the key aims are to preserve both the form and the function of the object. Objects may work through mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic means, but in each case their function is an integral part of the object, and a significant part of the information it provides.
This workshop provides participants with an understanding of decision-making processes for treating and preserving functional objects. One of the most important decisions is balancing wear and tear from use, with the deterioration caused by functional objects remaining idle. Case studies will explain the issues involved in caring for both functional objects, and those that have lost the ability to function. The workshop will include sessions on types of deterioration, materials, maintenance, restoration and storage. Participants will learn how to put together a maintenance plan that suits the needs of a specific object, taking into account the resources and skills available.
The workshop will take place at Whiteman Park where there are a number of significant transport collections. The course will include site visits to different collections to illustrate the theory covered in the workshop and will include morning and afternoon teas as well as lunch. Numbers are limited to 30 participants so book early.
Presenter Biography
David Hallam is a Senior Conservator and Director at the RM Tait and Associates, dividing his time between Queanbeyan, NSW and Tasmania. He is a specialist in the conservation of modern metals and functional objects. He studied applied chemistry at the Western Australian Institute of Technology, and materials conservation at the University of Canberra.
David has held senior conservator positions at the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and the Queensland Museum. He was a Woodrow Wilson fellow at the National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian Institution) in 1989 and a visiting fellow at the Research School of Chemistry at Australian National University in the early 1990's. David was a visiting scholar at the Getty Conservation Institute in 2015, studying modern metals conservation.
Major projects have included; Mosquito and Kittyhawk aircraft, Bean and Bentley motorcars, arms conservation, steam engines and paddle steamers, exhibition installs and refits, maritime objects from the Pandora and Cook voyage cannons, advice on the conservation of the Wright Flyer and the Enola Gay.
Registration details and key dates
- AICCM Member Early Bird Registration (closes 25th March) $360.00
- AICCM Member Late Registration (after 25 March) $410.00
- Non Member Registration $460.00
- Student/Concession Registration $260.00
More Information
- The workshop is limited to 30 participants
- For more information contact Helen Privett at hprivett[at]museum.vic.gov.au
- No refunds from 7 days prior to the beginning of the workshop