Preparing objects for display
Behind the scenes at Preston Park Museum, something exciting is happening. As we get ready to share more of our collection with visitors, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers have been hard at work conserving and preparing historical objects for public display.
From eye-catching enamel signs to mid-century furniture, a variety of fascinating artefacts have been selected to take their place in our new Open Stores, which will open as part of the museum extension. But before they can be viewed by the public, each item must be carefully cleaned, treated, and assessed—a process that requires patience, skill, and a great deal of care.
Under the guidance of conservator Karen Barker and museum staff, volunteers are carrying out this important work. We caught up with some of them to hear more about their conservation journey.
What kind of treatments have you carried out?
Fiona Poole – Kodak film dispenser, mid-20th century
“I cleaned the grimy enamel on the dispenser front with T-Cut using cotton buds, then tackled the rust with wire brushes. The legs were badly corroded, so I applied rust converter to help stabilise them.”
Lily Malcolm – 1960s Television
“I started with a gentle dry clean using a microfibre cloth and cotton buds to reach into the corners. When that wasn’t quite enough, I used distilled water to give it a more thorough clean—always testing first!”
What have you found most interesting?
Georgia Temple – 1960s Television
“I’m fascinated by how this television isn’t just a piece of tech—it’s also beautifully designed furniture. It really reflects a different era in home life.”
Olwyn Hazelton – 1950s Cooker
“I remember seeing cookers like this in working kitchens when I was a child. It’s a nostalgic object for me, and it’s been interesting to engage with it in a new way.”
What have you enjoyed most about conservation?
“There’s something so satisfying about seeing an object come back to life. Cleaning the television and preparing it for display has been hands-on and rewarding—it’s great experience for anyone interested in a museum career.”
“Learning new techniques and getting involved in both the cleaning and the wider collections work has been really fulfilling. Seeing the process from start to finish has given me a new appreciation for what goes into caring for our heritage.”
What new skills have you learned?
“Patience, above all! I assumed I’d need special chemicals right away, but I’ve learned that a gentle, methodical approach often works best. Sometimes less is more.”
“I’ve picked up how to deal with different materials—like using wax to fill woodworm holes. Watching restoration shows on TV inspired me, but doing it for real has taught me so much more.”
Why get involved in conservation?
“I already volunteer at the museum, and this felt like a new and interesting challenge. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the collection.”
“A family member worked in restoration for decades, so this was a natural step for me. I love supporting my local museum and learning from the wonderful staff. It’s helped me feel more connected to the community and my future career goals.”
Expert Insight: From Our Conservator
Karen Barker, who is supporting the team with her expertise, shared her thoughts:
“One of the highlights has been watching the transformation of objects—like the Kodak film dispenser—through the volunteers’ efforts. Seeing something go from rust-covered to ready for display is always rewarding.”
Her top tip for anyone conserving objects at home?
“Do your research first—know what materials you’re working with, and always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area. And remember: gloves are your best friend!”
A huge thank you
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to volunteers; Fiona, Lily, Georgia, and Olwyn for their enthusiasm, dedication, and over 60 hours of conservation work so far. Their contributions are helping to bring our collection to life and ensure these wonderful objects can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates as we continue preparing for the Open Stores launch later this year.
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