My Thesis.

This project will focus on the lack of cohesion in ethical guidelines globally within the conservation practice. In particular the project will compare the differences between built and moveable heritage in terms of their definitions, origins and use of ethical codes and charters; and the effects of both the formal guidelines present in built heritage and the informal, unaccountable guidelines we see in moveable heritage.

Whilst continuing the work of O’Keefe (1998), Fredheim and Khalaf (2016), Torre (2013) and Sease (1998), this project will investigate the divided opinions of practitioners, the perceptions of built and moveable heritage and how conservation is held to different standards across the globe; to discover why these dilemmas exist in this field and reflect on the steps forward.

By investigating the difference, guidelines and charters associated with heritage, it will assist in how conservators preserve artefacts and their decision-making process through providing an argument for clearer ethical guidelines for conservation practice, which can be developed with future research. This will benefit numerous stakeholders such as owners of heritage, institutions, and local, national, and international bodies of the sector.