Conservation

COLLECTIONS CONSERVATION ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

Our collections conservation guidance notes and technical papers are informed by science-based evidence and our practical experience. They are freely available to download below. Technical papers can be found beneath the guidance notes, which are listed by subject.

    

Guidance Notes:

Technical Papers:

These publications cover aspects of preventive conservation and science research which have been carried out in association with English Heritage artefact collections and interiors. Additional project work by external heritage science researchers can also be found here.

CEN Standards

The European Committee for Standardisation Technical Committee 346 (CEN TC 346) is developing European Standards (ENs) for conservation. Four working groups are developing standards that impact on preventive conservation:

  • WG4: Protection of collections
  • WG6: Exhibition lighting of cultural heritage – Joint working group between TC 346 and TC 169
  • WG7: Specifying and measuring indoor/outdoor climate
  • WG8: Energy efficiency of historic buildings

  • Published Standards
    • EN 15757: Specifications for temperature and relative humidity to limit climate- induced mechanical damage in organic hygroscopic materials.
    • EN 15758: Procedures and instruments for measuring temperatures of the air and the surfaces of objects.
    • EN 15759-1: Indoor climate, Part 1: Guidelines for heating churches, chapels and other places of worship.
    • EN 16242: Procedures and instruments for measuring humidity in the air and moisture exchanges between air and cultural property.


    Full list of published standards

    The standards can be purchased from any member organisation of the British Standards Institute (BSI) in the UK.

    

Find out more

  • Conservation Science

    Find out how our conservation scientists protect collections from harmful environmental factors.

  • Caring for our Gardens

    Learn more about the important work that our gardens team are doing to care for and protect our historic gardens and landscapes.

  • Paintings Conservation

    Discover how dedicated fine art conservators protect the many paintings, frames and decorative schemes in our collection.