News from the Stores

Conservation work for the new museum is well underway, but with so many objects coming on display for the first time, there is a lot to do!  Although our conservator, Mary Macqueen, is getting help from external conservators for the specialist work, the enormous workload has given us a fantastic opportunity to also involve work experience students.   

This photograph shows Alice Galloway, a conservation student from Lincoln University, cleaning one of the objects which will be seen in the new museum.  Alice is working alongside Mary, gaining valuable real-life museum experience which will help her in her studies – and giving us an extra pair of hands at this very busy time!



Conservation student, Alice Galloway cleaning a 1960s Dansette record player for display in The Front Room.

Alice Galloway says:
“I have had a fantastic time working on the materials for the new museum, working under a very experienced conservator with a real sense of the value of the work being done. It will be great to be able to come back later and see the museum when it opens - and perhaps bring other students with me!”

Sue Thomas, Principal Lecturer in the School of Art and Design, Lincoln University, visited last week to assess the placement and said:
“It is really good to have the co-operation of a museum service such as Wakefield Council's, especially when they can still offer a student this very valuable experience during this period of change. We hope to continue with the links for the future.”

Alice has worked on a range of objects during her time with us, including the wonderful signed cricket bat we already reported on.  See the before and after photos and spot the difference!



Before cleaning

After cleaning by Alice, our work placement student