Need for Conservation
About Conservation at NRLC
India’s cultural heritage represents a rich record of knowledge, creativity, traditions and technological achievements. Manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, archaeological objects, historic buildings, textiles, metals, wooden objects and other cultural heritage materials carry significant historical, artistic, scientific and social information. These materials are vulnerable to deterioration due to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, light, biological agents, pollutants, and other factors like natural ageing, physical stresses, inappropriate handling and storage.These factors can gradually alter the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of materials, resulting in weakening, discoloration, deformation, fragmentation and, ultimately, irreversible loss.
Conservation is therefore essential to safeguard cultural heritage, retain its authenticity and integrity, and ensure its continued availability for research, education and future generations. The National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC), Lucknow promotes and undertakes scientific studies and conservation approaches for the posterity of cultural heritage.
- Conditional assessment of the object and documentation of existing deterioration.
- Identification of deterioration agents and understanding of deterioration mechanisms.
- Identification and characterization of materials and their properties prior treatment.
- Selection of conservation materials and treatment methods compatible with the original material.
- Prioritization of preventive conservation and control of environmental and biological factors.
- Minimization of intervention and avoidance of unnecessary alteration of original material.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness and long-term stability of conservation treatments.
- Application of appropriate scientific techniques, analytical methods and interdisciplinary expertise for informed decision-making.
- Maintenance of proper documentation of examination, treatment and conservation history.
- Promotion of research and development of safe, sustainable and effective conservation materials and techniques.
NRLC contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage through scientific research, conservation treatment, technical examination, preventive conservation, training and technical guidance, supporting institutions and professionals engaged in the care of India's cultural heritage
“Know the material before you treat the material.”
- Wall paintings
- Stone sculptures & ceramics
- Bronze sculptures and other metal objects
- Oil Paintings
- Miniature paintings
- Paintings on Textile
- Manuscripts
- Other Museum Objects
NRLC’s Outreach and Stakeholders
Our Team
