Presenting... Conservation of the Buckland Archive

letter before treatment

Presenting... Conservation of the Buckland Archive

17 APRIL – 10 JUNE | PRESENTING CASE

 

Visit our new temporary exhibit and discover the meticulous work taking place behind the scenes to conserve William Buckland's archive for today's users and future generations.

The Museum recently acquired an important archive related to theologian and geologist, William Buckland (1784-1856). The material consists of just over 1000 items, including letters, geological notes, works of art, and family papers. 

Due to the age of the archive, the papers show general signs of wear and tear. To ensure the long-term preservation of the archive, paper conservator Anna Espanol Costa has undertaken treatments including surface cleaning, stabilizing and consolidating inks and wax seals, mending tears, removing rusty paper clips, and fixing the earlier repairs. Once complete, the Buckland archive will be in a better condition for digitisation, research visits, exhibition, and the anniversary year.

Visit the display to discover gems from the archive and learn more about its conservation.

 

 

 

 

Some of the highlights of the Buckland archive including illustrations by Mary Morland and letters
 

 

 

Map showing that the presenting case is just to the left, next to the help desk, as you enter the Oxford Natural History Museum through the main door.

You can find the Presenting Case next to the Welcome Desk; just to the left as you enter the Museum through the main entrance.