What is preventive conservation?

Preventive conservation refers to the measures and actions taken to avoid or minimize future deterioration or loss of cultural heritage objects and collections. Instead of directly treating damaged items, preventive conservators focus on controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and pollutants. They also work to improve storage, handling, and display practices to extend the life of artifacts. The goal is to prevent damage before it occurs, ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable collections.