Conservation

The conservation projects entrusted to these departments necessitate an interdisciplinary approach as conservators from various labs collaborate with each other, together with art historians, archaeologists, conservation architects, and staff from the Diagnostic Scientific Department. Conservators also tend to regular inspections of artefacts inside museums and carry out museum housekeeping work, such as dusting, to limit rapid deterioration. Such inspections are carried out in collaboration with museum curators, curatorial staff, and the Agency’s Preventive Conservation Unit.

Interventions are carried out according to internationally recognised conservation standards. Display and storage are important aspects and therefore customised supports, mounts and boxes are manufactured inhouse for the specific needs of each object.

Organics Department

The Paintings and Polychrome Sculpture Conservation Lab and the Wood and Furniture Conservation Lab treat artefacts that form part of the Maltese National Collection displayed in several national museums and sites entrusted to Heritage Malta. Both labs focus mostly on the conservation and restoration treatment of artworks exhibited at MUZA, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Gozo Museum. While portable artefacts are treated inside conservation laboratories, large paintings, and furniture may be treated on site.

The Textile Conservation Lab deals with historical clothes, including accessories, uniforms, liturgical vestments, flags, and tapestries.

The Books & Paper Conservation Lab deals with historical maps, important documents, historical books, photography and flat work (etchings and lithographs). Particular importance is given to documentation which includes the objects’ history, manufacturing techniques and state of conservation. These phases are backed up with scientific investigation of the materials originally used.

Inorganics Department

The Objects Conservation Lab conserves archaeological and historic ceramics, glass, metals, and stone objects. Conservation work can take place either in the lab or on site. The latter includes archaeological sites, architectural sculpture, and the national monuments entrusted to Heritage Malta.

The Conservation Lab for Underwater Archaeology is specifically dedicated to the conservation of material that is excavated from the underwater archaeological sites managed by the agency. This material can be of organic (e.g. bones, wood, textiles, leather) or inorganic nature (ceramics, metal, glass).

INTERNSHIPS

Discover the fascinating world of heritage conservation by joining our internship program, where you’ll contribute to preserving our rich cultural legacy and gaining valuable hands-on experience.  If you are interested in an internship with the Conservation Department, please send an email to human.resources@heritagemalta.org