Rapid Condition Assessments for Archaeological Collections
Developing a methodology for informed decision-making, effective stewardship, and sustainable long-term care of archaeological collections
Project Details
- Category
- Years 2026 – present
- Status
- Organizer
Courtesy of Glasgow Life Museums
About
Goal
Rapid Condition Assessment for Archaeological Collections aims to create a practical, resource-sensitive condition assessment methodology that can be implemented across different institutions.
Background
Condition assessments are essential tools for understanding the preservation status of collections. By systematically recording data and indicators, they enable conservators to monitor changes over time, identify risks, and establish conservation priorities. Archaeological objects present unique condition assessment challenges, as their condition is closely linked not only to their materials and environments to which they have been exposed but also to their provenance, cultural and stratigraphic context, post-excavation histories, and complex life cycles. Current assessment frameworks do not always account for these factors and can be time-consuming, difficult to adapt, and insufficiently responsive to the specific characteristics of archaeological materials.
Approach
Project Team
Stavroula Golfomitsou, Head of Collections; Ana Pastor Perez, Senior Project Specialist; Lianne Pascua, Post-Baccalaureate Intern