INTRODUCTION

The importance of conservation

Our material heritage worldwide is affected by environmental conditions that vary considerably. None is free from the ravages of time and environment. In Southeast Asia, in particular, there is a need for suitable conservation facilities with qualified and skilled professionals to make a concerted effort to preserve Islamic heritage. As an educator and custodian of Islamic art and crafts for present and future generations, IAMM sees the conservation, restoration and preservation of artefacts as a necessary part of its mission.

The Conservation Department provides preservation and conservation services for the museum’s artefacts. Through research and training, the IAMM Conservation Department also works toward furthering knowledge in order to develop preservation techniques applied to Islamic art within Southeast Asia.

The Conservation Team

The Conservation Team is made up of professional conservators and restorers capable of dealing with the needs of the collection and with the potential to service other national and international museums and collections. The conservators are all university graduates with backgrounds in fine art, chemistry and applied science and have undergone extensive training conducted by both local and international experts. Conservation at IAMM is a truly interdisciplinary endeavour and the various backgrounds of the team members reflect the diversity of objects and materials presented at IAMM.