Editing Victoria and Albert Museum (section)

=== Research and conservation ===
Research<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/research/index.html |title=Research |publisher=Victoria and Albert Museum vam.ac.uk |date=5 May 2011 |access-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528142209/http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/research/index.html |archive-date=28 May 2010 }}</ref> is a very important area of the museum's work, and includes: identification and interpretation of individual objects; other studies contribute to systematic research, this develops the public understanding of the art and artefacts of many of the great cultures of the world; visitor research and evaluation to discover the needs of visitors and their experiences of the museum. Since 1990, the museum has published research reports;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/research/research_reports/index.html |title=Research Reports&nbsp;– Victoria and Albert Museum |publisher=vam.ac.uk |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528124258/http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/research/research_reports/index.html |archive-date=28 May 2010 }}</ref> these focus on all areas of the collections.

Conservation<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/conservation/index.html |title=Conservation&nbsp;– Victoria and Albert Museum |publisher=vam.ac.uk |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330044305/http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/conservation/index.html |archive-date=30 March 2010 }}</ref> is responsible for the long-term preservation of the collections, and covers all the collections held by the V&A and the V&A Museum of Childhood. The conservators specialise in particular areas of conservation. Areas covered by the conservator's work include "preventive" conservation this includes: performing surveys, assessments and providing advice on the handling of items, correct packaging, mounting and handling procedures during movement and display to reduce risk of damaging objects. Activities include controlling the museum environment (for example, temperature and light) and preventing pests (primarily insects) from damaging artefacts. The other major category is "interventive" conservation, this includes: cleaning and reintegration to strengthen fragile objects, reveal original surface decoration, and restore shape. Interventive treatment makes an object more stable, but also more attractive and comprehensible to the viewer. It is usually undertaken on items that are to go on public display.