Extra care is needed when cleaning these teeth! (Lancashire Conservation Studio)
Conservation is all around us, but much of the work happens behind the scenes. From textiles and museum objects to archives, historic buildings and the belongings we treasure at home, conservation is about much more than repairing things. It’s about understanding why things matter, preserving their stories and making sure they can be enjoyed, understood and cared for in the future.
Heritage Open Days offers a chance to meet the people caring for our shared heritage, see conservation in action and discover some of the stories hidden within collections. We’ve picked out a selection of events to put on your festival calendar - see conservation differently this September!
How to care for what matters
How do you decide what to keep when you inherit belongings from family or friends? And how can you care for the objects that have particular meaning to you?
This free Icon event explores the stories and sentimental value attached to the things we keep. The session will consider the difficult decisions around what to keep and what to let go, alongside practical advice on caring for treasured objects. You’ll also hear from Madeleine Marshall MA ACR, Paper Conservator at The London Archives, who will share her expertise on caring for paper and other treasured items. It’s an informal opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and think about the objects and stories that matter to us.
From ruin to revival
What does it take to bring a historic building back to life?
This film screening with a talk from Accredited Conservator-Restorer, John Wynn-Griffiths, offers an insight into the conservation and restoration of heritage and the expertise required to protect it. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from a conservation professional and explore the journey from damage and decay towards restoration and renewal.
Behind the scenes at the museum
What does it take to care for a museum collection?
Head behind the scenes at Lancashire’s conservation studios and discover the work that goes into looking after objects in museum collections. This event provides an insight into the specialist work of conservation and the people responsible for protecting collections for future generations. For anyone curious about what happens behind the scenes in a museum, this is a chance to see conservation in action and learn more about the profession.
Beyond the university strongroom
Archives can tell us extraordinary stories about everyday lives, but how are those collections cared for?
This event offers the opportunity to explore archives and special collections alongside the ‘Earth, Sea, Sky’ exhibition, giving visitors a glimpse into collections that are not always accessible to the public. It’s a chance to discover how archives are preserved, explore fascinating material and find out more about the work that goes into making these collections available for everyone.
The specialist studio
Ever wondered what happens to historic textiles when they need conservation?
Booked toursThese studio tours offer a chance to see textile conservation at close quarters and discover the specialist skills involved in caring for historic fabrics and objects. It’s a great opportunity to get behind the scenes and see where conservation happens, while finding out more about the challenges of working with delicate and often complex materials.
Exhibition Forgot to book? Then check our this drop in display. It highlights key milestones in the Studio's history, showcasing how conservation methods, technologies and professional practices have developed over time.
The national archive
Step inside one of the country’s most significant heritage archives and discover the collections held by Historic England.
From photographs and plans to documents and other historic material, archives provide an invaluable record of the places and people that have shaped our past. This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the archive and an opportunity to find out more about the work involved in preserving and providing access to these collections.
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
Find out more
- Icon - Find more inspiration and resources from the world of conservation.
- Festival Spotlights - Be inspired for your event searches with our highlight posts.
- What's on? - Search here for an event near you.