New approaches towards interpretation, display and use of collections by the cultural heritage sector has made the roles of curators, conservators, art historians, and conservation scientists increasingly complex.
Advances in conservation science provide increasing amounts of information about the tangible properties of objects, while the intangible and conceptual qualities, of contemporary and non-western artifacts in particular, also influence the work of the museum professional. The concept of authenticity is one of the core factors driving decision making.
Papers in this volume examine five key areas of discussion: modern materials; the value of authenticity and replication; concept, practices and results of technical examination; enhancing the value of collections; connected histories: making, meaning, interpretation.