The Conference wishes to highlight commonality and collaboration between disciplines and to include a variety of periods, materials and approaches, with each paper concentrating on a specific case study. We are planning the Conference’s sessions to be focussed thematically:
1.Exploring how the significance of an object’s decorative surface relates to its collection and setting. When is it appropriate for objects to be considered and treated in a different way to their contexts?
2.Evaluating complex interacting or conflicting contexts – such as past, dispersed or destroyed collections and settings – and how the layered meanings and values of their tangible and intangible qualities impact on the intentions of current decisions for treatment.
3.Considering dilemmas encountered in attempting to maintain a consistency of approach between intentions guiding the treatment of an interior and the objects within it. How far should principles be refined, or compromised, within a particular context? How should context be considered in relation to objects function and aesthetics or to their interpretation and access?
4.Considering how these issues should be best pursued when not fully valued by an owner, or significantly limited by time and resources?