Stromness Museum holds a collection of 400 specimens of pressed seaweed collected between 1839 and 1962 by several key Orcadian naturalists. These specimens are a vital source of information for science and are an important historical record and archive.
Thanks to an AIM Pilgrim Trust Remedial Conservation Grant awarded in December 2024, the museum was able to see through to completion the conservation and remounting of the final group of seaweed specimens requiring conservation, which were collected in 1929-30 by the Orcadian naturalist George Ellison and also specimens collected by Robert Rendall. Stromness Museum are delighted that this work now ensures the longevity of the collection and improves future access for researchers, outreach activities, and digitisation work.
 |
 |
 |
Hana Bristow, an objects conservator currently on the pathway to Icon accreditation and based in Orkney, worked to improve specimen housing, presentation and condition. Specimens now have new acid-free handling mounts with clear labelling, protected inside polypropylene herbarium sleeves.
Twelve specimens required some form of interventive treatment to stabilise their condition, which often included re-adhering lifting parts, unfurling crumpled areas to regain their original form via humidification, or creating fragment packets to safely store detached parts of specimens.
 |
 |
 |
Stromness Museum is a member of the Independent Association of Museums.
