In the Media

In the Media

Australian conservators and heritage conservation issues often make the news. AICCM invites you to explore some of the stories that have captured the interest of readers in Australia and around the world.

To contribute to this section, please send your text and links to the AICCM website editor.

ABC Radio National: Looting Iraq's treasures

ABC Radio National's Artworks feature on 11 April 2010 was "Looting Iraq's treasures". The US and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 to bring about regime change. But in the vacuum that was created over the days and weeks following the invasion, large-scale looting broke out in Baghdad. The most systematic and well-organised looting was at the Iraq National Museum, with more than 15,000 artefacts vanishing on to the black market.

Hear Lawrence Rothfield, a former director of the Cultural Policy Centre at the University of Chicago, in conversation with Michael Gurr on this issue.

Read the AICCM media release that urged our world leaders to protect Iraq's cultural heritage (dated 10 March 2003).

Merger of New Zealand Archives & National Library

The Chief Executives of Archives New Zealand, The National Library and the Department of Internal Affairs have released a statement on 26 March 2010 about the merger of these three agencies. The Chief Executives say they are committed to ensuring the integration of the three agencies takes place smoothly, and delivers the benefits Cabinet wants. The Ministers responsible for these agencies, Hon Nathan Guy and Hon Tony Ryall, announced the integration on March 25.

Can Phar Lap's heart travel?

Victorian Racing Minister Rob Hulls wants to reunite the remaining parts of the great racehorse Phar Lap for the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup. But is Phar Lap's heart in any condition to make the trip from Canberra to Melbourne? Head of Conservation at the Australian Museum, Eric Archer, cautions that vibration from travel could irreparably damage this national icon.

Robyn Sloggett on art forgeries - Crikey interview

Read an interview on the Crikey website with Associate Professor Robyn Sloggett on 'how to find a fine art fake'. Sloggett is director of the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at the University of Melbourne and an art authentication expert. The interview was conducted in light of the legal proceedings begun by prominent Australian artists Charles Blackman and Robert Dickerson. These artists have claimed that an art trader has been dealing forgeries of their work and are seeking an injunction to prevent the art dealer from running his gallery.

2009-2010 Mawson's Hut team arrives in Antarctica

The 2009-2010 summer expedition team to Mawson's Hut has arrived in Commonwealth Bay and are beginning work. There are three conservators on this year's expedition: Michelle Berry, Megan Absolon and Peter Maxwell.