Archaeological

• Stabilisation – A fragile Saxon shield boss was actively degrading. Stabilisation of remaining iron was undertaken using tannic acid, and some fragments were reconstructed using various strength solutions of Paraloid B72.
• Microexcavation – A chest of sabre blades from a marine environment was disassembled using hand tools, air abrasive and ultrasonic descaler.
• Post excavation cleaning – Once removed, each blade from the chest was cleaned using hand tools, revealing fragile  engravings and brass leaf designs.
• Consolidation – A completely mineralised Roman copper alloy bell was consolidated. In this case removal of soil would have destroyed the object.
• Microscopy – Cleaning and investigation of objects under magnification.
• Bone handles – Handles recovered from a marine environment were cleaned using an ultrasonic descaler, and iron concretion removed to reveal original patterns.

Skills

• Understanding of material degradation and developed hand skills to investigate fragile objects with care.
• Experience working to an ‘original surface’, and the understanding that it may have changed during burial. Experience of mineralised organics and their identification.
• Confident with machinery and tools, and experienced with manual and practical tasks.
• Interest and passion for archaeology and historical context, and willingness to collaborate cross-discipline.
• Willingness to develop further skills pertaining to conservation of materials other than metals.