Condition and conservation survey of Gozo Archaeological Museum : setting priorities for a conservation plan of the archaeological objects

Abstract

This is a study of Gozo Archaeological Museum in order to assess the situation regarding the collection of archaeological objects, which are housed there. The aim of this study is to show how to carry out a survey of the museum in order to set up conservation priorities, using statistics. The survey commenced by recording all objects on display in the individual showcases. They were grouped into material, age, past restorations, immediate problems from a conservation point of view, such as biological growth, salt efflorescence etc. Everything was worked into percentages, which were used to establish the sample population and the samples, which were to be used for the statistics. The use of statistics in museum surveys is relatively new, but this technique enables the surveyor to assess the collection much faster and saving time by hierarchies and priorities, without having to study every single object, this is especially important for large collections. The first survey always involves more work especially in a museum like Gozo archaeological museum that does not have a comprehensive inventory yet. The result of the statistical survey will be by objectively establishing conservation priorities from which it will possible to recommend which objects are in most need of conservation.