ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Conservation has traditionally focused on preventing change to objects. In many instances this is technically and financially unrealistic. The recognition is growing that controlling change is more realistic and central to the role of conservation. To predictively control and manage change requires quantitative data on decay rate and the nature of change occurring. The type of data and its link to the heritage value of objects is discussed and evidenced using an AHRC/EPSRC funded Science and Heritage research project investigating the rate of corrosion of archaeological iron. This type of research can transform management of heritage preservation into an evidence-based predictive activity and improve benefit cost benefit assessment.