Conservation services
Caring for what the sea gives back
Expert conservation of waterlogged and maritime artefacts — from first aid for a new find to full treatment, reporting and long-term care. For developers, museums, heritage agencies, collectors and community groups.
What we offer
Specialist conservation, proven on major projects.
Objects that have spent decades or centuries underwater or in waterlogged ground begin to deteriorate the moment they are exposed. The Foundation’s conservation team stabilises, treats and documents this material to recognised standards, and helps owners look after it for the long term.
01
Waterlogged wood & organics
Treatment of ship timbers, wood, leather, rope and other waterlogged organic material.
02
Metals & other materials
Cleaning and stabilising metals, ceramics, glass and composite objects.
03
First aid for new finds
Fast advice and on-site support when material is uncovered, to stop damage before it starts.
04
Assessment & condition reports
Condition surveys and treatment proposals for individual objects and whole collections.
05
Storage, display & handling
Advice on packing, storing, transporting and displaying fragile material.
06
Training & guidance
Practical sessions for site teams, volunteers and community groups on caring for finds.
Heather Berry (left) at the Barangaroo Boat Conservation Forum · Image: © Cath Snelgrove/Sydney Metro
Our conservator
Heather Berry
Maritime Conservator
Heather has been the Foundation’s Maritime Conservator since 2019. She specialises in the conservation of waterlogged organic artefacts, and her expertise in conserving historical timbers has been central to two colonial boat projects, including the Barangaroo Boat.
A qualified diver as well as a conservator, Heather works across the lab, the field and the community, helping owners, site teams and the public understand and care for maritime heritage.
- PhD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, thesis titled ‘Conservation of Australian archaeological waterlogged wood: a comparison of three treatment methodologies.’
- Master of Cultural Material Conservation (Object Conservation), University of Melbourne
- Conservation internship, WA Maritime Museum
- Divemaster · Oxygen Administration · Advanced First Aid & CPR
Case study · Sydney
The Barangaroo Boat
When a colonial-era boat was unearthed during Sydney Metro’s excavation of Barangaroo Station, the Foundation’s team took on the conservation of its timbers — cleaning, documenting and treating each piece in purpose-built tanks so the boat can be preserved for the future.
Cleaning the timbers · Image: Irini Malliaros/Silentworld Foundation for Sydney Metro
How it works
From first call to finished report
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Get in touch
Tell us what you have, its condition and your timeframe.
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Assessment
We assess the material and advise on immediate care.
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Proposal
A clear treatment plan and quote for your approval.
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Treatment & report
Conservation carried out and fully documented.
Working to standard. Our treatments follow recognised conservation practice and meet Australian heritage legislation, including the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.
Enquire
Have an object or collection that needs expert care?
Tell us a little about it and we’ll be in touch to discuss your needs and how we can help.
Prefer to talk first? Use our contact page.
Not ready for a project yet? Start with our free Conservation Booklet (PDF) on looking after maritime finds.