Principles and ethics in archival repair and archival conservation, part 1: The principles of archival repair and of archival conservation

Abstract

This article restates and discusses at length in turn a set of five principles first enunciated by Roger Ellis during a historic lecture at the London School of Printing in 1950, reprinted since then (and referenced in a note). The stated principles concur in stressing the avoidance of the compulsion to perform or not to perform any action that would interfere with the maintenance of the special status of archival documents. Discusses as well the necessity for scientific examination, for appropriate skills on the part of the staff in charge, the difficulties with pest treatments, questions of storage, the difference between repair and conservation, and the proper timing of interventions. Sums up the discussion with a short analysis of the moral qualities required of the conservator. -- AATA