Conserving Context

The conference papers contained in this volume explore the manner in which the significance of objects relates to their context(s). Interacting or conflicting contexts – such as dispersed or destroyed collections and settings – affect the decisions for their treatment and, consequently, the chosen methods of treatment performed on the decorative surfaces of objects can preserve or change the entire context of the collection and setting. Consideration is given to the challenges encountered in order to maintain a consistent approach between the intentions guiding the treatment of a setting and the objects therein, and to the question of whether it is appropriate for objects to be considered and treated out of their natural or wider context.