The artworks seen at museums are no doubt the stars of the show, but what happens to them when they are not on display or in need of repairs? Have that question answered thanks to the National Heritage Board’s (NHB) new exhibition, The World of Heritage Conservation: Sneak Peeks into Safeguarding Singapore’s National Collection.
A travelling showcase, the presentation brings visitors into the often unseen world of conservators at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC), the folks who play pivotal roles in caring for our nation’s treasures.
Four artefacts will be highlighted in this exhibition, and they include a 19th-century painting of an opium clipper at sea against the backdrop of the Singapore waterfront; an orange floral lace cheongsam from the mid-20th century; a toothbrush used by a prisoner of war during the Japanese Occupation; and a panorama of Singapore’s cityscape hand-drawn on paper from memory.
Credit: NHB
What’s important to note is that these artefacts and artworks have all been carefully preserved and reconstructed over the years.
Credit: NHB
In fact, some of the highlights require significant logistical arrangements, due to their delicate nature.
So check out these key exhibits as they are shown at local libraries to offer insights to artistic conservation—something we should definitely be thinking about.
The World of Heritage Conservation: Sneak Peeks into Safeguarding Singapore’s National Collection will be on display at the Central Public Library from now till Sep 30, before it travels to different locations across the island. More information available here.
