Since the first edition of Conservation Science: Heritage Materials there have been a number of challenges within the museum and heritage profession, from the financial crisis of 2008 that saw sweeping cuts in funding to arts and humanities, to the current global pandemic that has seen institutions close their doors to visitors. Through each of these changes conservation professionals have demonstrated their capacity to problem solve, maintain rigour and draw on the breadth of knowledge and skills from across this cross-disciplinary field.

Conservation science as a sub-discipline provides the underpinning knowledge that allows conservation professionals to make informed decisions around treatment, storage and display. To achieve greatest beneficial impact, conservation science necessitates collaboration with key stakeholders such as conservators, curators, artists and the public, providing context for scientific analysis and ensuring critical questions are addressed. The aim of this book is to provide a starting point for dialogue between the disciplines and a common language of understanding for such collaboration. It draws together materials science with conservation science case studies, demonstrating how both tried-and-tested methods and the latest technologies can be applied to materials characterisation and technical art history, and to improve our understanding of degradation and means of condition assessment, thus informing preservation decisions.

It is worth noting that over the past decade the term heritage science has moved into the vernacular of the profession. Whilst this term can be helpful in providing distinction from the field of ecological conservation science, heritage science is such a broad term that it does not provide definition. In this second edition of Conservation Science: Heritage Materials we are primarily focused on science within conservation and how technologies may support preservation, and therefore in this case we believe conservation science is a more appropriate term.

Following a thoughtful Introduction by Dr Cordelia Rogerson of the British Library, reflecting on the multidisciplinary nature of the profession, there is an introductory chapter on the use of analytical techniques in conservation science, which is aimed at providing a foundation for discussions later in the book. The later chapters are divided into broad material types and focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to the analysis and characterisation of heritage materials, reflecting the increasing use of these techniques in mainstream conservation decision making. Each of these chapters follows a similar format, covering chemistry and structure, analytical techniques, impact on conservation and preservation, and case studies appropriate to the material. Whilst the format is aimed at ensuring accessibility for the reader, the level of detail within each chapter varies and is a reflection on the differing complexities and priorities within both the science and the particular conservation requirements of the materials.

Although not explicitly addressed by this book, the continuously evolving nature of the heritage sector and the conservation profession means that factors such as environmental sustainability, inclusivity and cultural awareness will play an increasingly important role in decision making, and an informed understanding of the composition, properties and analysis of heritage materials will be an important factor in ensuring the best possible outcomes for collections and communities. Similarly, this knowledge will enable resources, which are likely to be placed under increasing demands, to be used in the most efficient and appropriate manner.

This book would not have been possible without the many years of research and development of expertise by the contributing authors. We are grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge and also their enduring patience in getting this edited volume over the finishing line. Each editor and author has balanced a great many professional and personal demands along the way, so it is with a great sigh of relief that we finally have a volume to which everyone can be proud to have contributed. We are eternally grateful to the publications team at the Royal Society of Chemistry for their gentle nudging and unwavering belief that the book would eventually materialise (no pun intended!).

Paul Garside

Emma Richardson