A core strand of the REcollections project focused on developing the Museum’s capacity to care for youth culture heritage through dedicated conservation training. As our collection grew in size and complexity, so did the need for staff training in practical skills in handling, preserving, and storing a diverse range of materials — from textiles and paper to plastics, electronics and ephemera.

TRAINING SESSIONS

•11 April: 3D Scanning and Object Digitisation

•7 June: Paper, Ephemera and Photo Conservation

•9 August: Collections Policy and Consultation with Clare Wood (Southbank Centre)

•28 August: Textile Conservation with Gesa Werner

•13 September: Condition Reporting and Storage Planning with Louise Rayner

•7 November: Archive Management and Handling with Stefan Dickers (Bishopsgate Institute)

•8 November: National Conservation Survey Site Visit and Evaluation

The training was hands-on and tailored to the needs of the Museum’s developing collection. Participants learned to assess object condition, identify risks, select appropriate materials, and implement low-intervention storage methods in line with national conservation standards. These sessions directly informed our ongoing work to improve documentation, rehousing, and long-term storage — including the acquisition of archival-grade boxes, sleeves and conservation shelving, all sourced from Preservation Equipment Ltd (PEL).

 

Additional input came from senior conservators and archivists at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Southbank Centre, and Bishopsgate Institute, each offering practical insight into the care of modern and mixed-media collections.

Conservation training has strengthened our internal knowledge base and ensured that both staff and young contributors are equipped to care for youth culture materials with professionalism and care.

This foundation will support the Museum as it transitions into its new permanent home — embedding conservation as a core part of our practice and public engagement work.