Collection care at InfoZone

23 May, 2005

Helen Privett with silver teapot.
Helen Privett from the conservation department with a silver teapot.
Image: Maria Christensen
Source: Museum Victoria

On Wednesday 18 May Museum Victoria celebrated International Museums Day.

To mark this occasion, the general public were invited to take part in Caring for Collections at Melbourne Museum’s InfoZone. With expert conservation staff on hand to give advice on caring for personal objects and collections, this well-attended event saw visitors bring in an array of fascinating objects.

Treasures presented for inspection and advice included ceramic vases, shell fossils, photographs, silk & metal thread embroidery, plates, an 1880s silver teapot, a christening gown and a flag. Books, documents and paper prints were also examined and discussed.

As many attendees brought in more than one item, conservation staff were engaged in constant conversation throughout the day.

Visitors also had the opportunity to discuss the historical aspects and context of their objects with curators from Museum Victoria’s History & Technology department.

Comments (3) popular  |  oldest  |  newest

Kerrianne 27 Jun 2009 01:03
Hi, in our family a large plate with an adam and eve design on it has been passed down from generation to gereration. But unfortunatly my great grandfather entrusted the plate to a bank for safe keeping, while at the bank the plate was broken into 3 pieces which my great grandfather attempted to glue rather badly back together again. We are at a loss of what exactly to do with the plate where can we take it for glue removal and restoration. My mother has it currently but I'm next in line so Mum and I have agreed to pay half each for the work to be done. It's such a shame to have a nice piece locked away in a box under the bed when we have been told we own one of two plates in existance. I hope you can guide us in the right direction. Thanking you Kerrianne.
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Kate Chapman 01 Jan 2010 20:40
I have a silver Tea or Cffee pot, not to sure which one it is. On the bottom of it it has stamped H.W Ltd. Then under that is E.P.E.M and under that are the numbers 1107. Could you please tell m anything about this, or where I can find out about it. Kind Regards Kate Chapman
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Discovery Centre 05 Jan 2010 10:08
Museum Victoria

Hi Kate - Is it possible the "EPEM" is actually a worn "EPBM"? That's a common mark for "Electroplated Britannia Metal". To work out the manufacturer of this piece, you'll find many books about silver and plate hallmarks at local libraries, or you could try looking at a site like the one below, an online encyclopaedia of makers' marks.

http://www.925-1000.com/index.html

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Image Gallery

Examining pictures Examining silk and metal thread embroidery.