Abstract

This poster proposes to use an ongoing environmental research project involving the University of Lincoln (UoL) and the Parliamentary Art Collection at the Palace of Westminster (PoW) to exemplify opportunities for collaboration, education and interpretation within heritage science.

The project to monitor and analyse the light exposure of selected textiles within Portcullis House and the Houses of Parliament involves undergraduate students from UoL, and aligns with a rolling programme of textile conservation by the PoW, which also seeks to provide annual internship opportunities for Conservation students from the Universities of Lincoln and Glasgow. Students involved at all levels benefit from access to a world-class collection, and valuable industry experience alongside heritage professionals in various disciplines.

With reference to the conference themes, the poster will illustrate:
- Practical application of heritage science: its value as a learning tool for undergraduate Conservation students, and thus as a tool for generating high quality heritage professionals of the future
- The role of science in bringing people closer to cultural heritage: opportunities to enhance the understanding of custodians, stakeholders and the public by demonstrating the science of deterioration and preservation
- The stimulating nature of the conservation discipline: demonstrating the diversity of the relationship between the humanities and sciences in Conservation practice, to students in training, and to laypersons via interpretation
- The value of experience: how a strong collaborative partnership project can add value and depth to a student’s portfolio by equipping them with skills and experience incrementally, as they progress through the various stages of their training.