Preserving objects. Sometimes it involves cleaning and repairing; sometimes just protecting, eg by putting an object into a good, clean storage box or dimming the light to prevent fading. It always means trying to avoid damage in the future and this includes making sure that any repairs can be undone later without damaging the object. The point is to keep museum objects in good condition for the benefit of present and future generations. At National Museums Liverpool we conserve many items including sculpture, metals, ceramics, textiles, furniture, ships, paper and paintings.

A conservator is someone who works in conservation and conserves objects.