In the laboratory

The conservation laboratory has a range of equipment to facilitate the analysis and conservation treatment of archaeological materials. Since February 1999, artefacts from HMS Pandora, HMAV Bounty, SS Yongala and a number of other historic shipwrecks in Queensland waters have been conserved.

In the nine archaeological excavations of the Pandora between 1983 and 1999, more than 7,500 artefacts were recovered from the wreck. Currently there are approximately 240 registered artefacts or objects in treatment in the laboratory, the majority of which are from the Pandora.

Since 1999, the Materials Conservation Section has offered opportunities for volunteers and interns to gain experience with maritime archaeological materials conservation. Seven students have received internships at the Museum and more than 20 students (primarily from the James Cook University maritime archaeology program) have volunteered in the laboratory.

For more information, contact the Museum's Materials Conservation Section.