More Artefacts Call For More Conservators

By Nur Natasha Aida Ismail KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 (Bernama) -- The country is abundant with valuable artefacts of historical value that need to be preserved. The responsibility is held by a museum conservator. However, conservators are a rare breed in Malaysia. The career suffers from poor exposure, making it anything but the first choice among students pursuing their studies in the associated fields. The lack of conservators in Malaysia, especially those with expertise in conservation works, has resulted in conservators available taking on a larger scope of responsibilities. CONSERVATION IS NO CAKEWALK Zamrul Amri Zakaria, 33, said there was a real possibility that the shortage of conservators in the country could one day lead to the negligence of the country’s artefacts. "The increasing number of artefacts means that more conservators are needed to ensure of its proper care and preservation, so that the future generations could benefit," he said. Zamrul, who is the Conservation Centre Head at the Museum Department of Malaysia sees his duties similar to a doctor’s. "Artefacts are like patients that need to be diagnosed, treated and monitored from time to time. "Starting with analysis of the artefacts, my job goes on to its research, treatment and preservation of the museum collection for purposes of exhibition, storage, education and documentation. I also undergo daily routines such as monitoring the temperature control system, humidity and lighting, damage prevention and restoration of artefacts. Zamrul said in such situations, conservators need to specialise in particular fields of conservation to enable them to treat an artefact of a certain problem or type of damage. "The scope of conservation is huge while the number of conservators with specific expertise is limited. This is certainly a stumbling block for us when completing our tasks. "Having the knowledge for conservation works from every field of artefact studies may give me a certain edge, but the fact is, certain artefacts still need to be treated by the corresponding experts, particularly for its long-term care and preservation," he said. SHORTAGE OF CONSERVATORS Artefact conservation is a priority at the Museum Department. Every conservator will delve into all aspects of the field and become a specialist consultant whether locally or overseas. According to the department’s director-general Ibrahim Ismail, there are five conservators and seven assistants with the knowledge of artefact conservation at the department’s Conservation Centre. "The department also has trainee conservators at smaller museums under it. The question is whether the number is sufficient for the care of the ever increasing number of artefacts," he asked. Ibrahim said the burgeoning collection of artefacts also meant lengthier storage, which translates to a higher degree of required care. "If we fail to treat the artefacts with the degree of care required, they could be exposed to damage." For the smaller museums with smaller collections, he said, there might not be many problems where conservation works are concerned. "However, for the National Museum, which has an extensive collection, it is better to have conservators in specialised fields on site," he said. THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALISATION Among the responsibilities of a conservator is prolonging the lifespan of an artefact. This requires timely inspections, and cleaning and protecting artefacts. The goal is to preserve the stability of the artefact in the long term through continuous monitoring of the physical condition, maintenance of space, area, environment or wherever the artefact may be placed, and ensuring the artefact is always in a safe and stable condition. He said the tasks need to be carried out by conservators with expertise in the relevant fields. "Each specialisation differs from the others. Artefacts made of textiles require the care of a specialist in the field, as is the case with artefacts made of metal or paper. "The lack of a proper specialist to care for the artefacts can result in possible damage to them," he said. Ibrahim said in such cases, greater priority need to be given to providing facilities like the proper equipment to carry out the task. "We do have the required equipments to carry out laboratory works, but better facilities with up-to-date technology are needed for conservation work," he said. ELEVATING THE PROFESSION Ibrahim said the museum is working on producing more conservators, especially those specialising in certain fields. "Those new in the field will be trained in specialised fields. Conservators currently with the museum with knowledge in every field will be trained to specialise in one," he said. He said the department has taken the initiative to help the conservators upgrade their skills and career path by sending them for local and international courses. "They go for courses overseas held at exclusive conservation labs such as the Art Lab Conservation in Adelaide, Australia, Arc Antique in Nantes, Frances and the Heritage Conservation Centre in Singapore. He said the conservators also attend conference by museum institutions such as the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. CODE OF ETHICS ENSURE PRESERVATION OF ARTEFACT Artefact-restoration is a job that needs to be done with dedication and care to ensure its structural integrity is not compromised. The American Institute For Conservation (AIC) has released a Code of Work Ethics that needs to be adhered to by the conservators working with artefact. Among it is to ensure a balance between community interest and restoration of national heritage. This means that conservation works done should not compromise the integrity of the national heritage in the aspects of physicality, history, concept or aesthetical values. A conservator also needs to ensure that any damage and degradation of an artefact under his care is controlled, by recommending the appropriate preventive conservation techniques. Conservators also need to promote knowledge and understanding on conservation through professional communication, as well as have a deep-seated interest in the national heritage, said Ibrahim. -- BERNAMA