The Central Conservation Section continues to play a role in the conservation of local heritage and cultural property across Hong Kong. In 2004, the section devised, implemented and evaluated conservation treatment for 12,000 cultural objects including paintings, historical documents, prints and photographs, textiles, metals, ceramics, organic material and archaeological finds.

With the help of conservation volunteers, 15 workshops and 25 guided tours were presented for the 2004 International Museum Day and the year-round School Culture Day programme. Through conservation lectures, behind-the-scenes laboratory visits and other educational and extension activities, the section received over 1,000 visitors, including students, teachers, collectors, overseas delegates and members of the public.

Featuring a selection of distinctive works by 18 noted Hong Kong sculptors and ceramic artists, the Art in Flight exhibition at Hong Kong International Airport in December, reflected the creativity and vitality of the city. The display gave overseas visitors and local air passengers an opportunity to see the artistic flair and creative talents of Hong Kong artists.

A remarkable amount of attention was given during the year to the methodological research and overhauling work involved in the preservation of the historic fireboat, Alexander Grantham. With collaboration and input from specialists in various disciplines, the Conservation Section has been working towards lifting the 500-tonne fireboat onto land when the site formation works are completed by late 2005.

Restoration of the historic fireboat, Alexander Grantham, is a painstaking effort for staff of the Central Conservation Section. Picture (below) shows the overhauling work of the fireboat at a dry dock.

The application of a photogrammetry data processing system to detect changes in the condition of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb has greatly facilitated the section in deciding on the appropriate preservation programmes for tackling rising damp and salt migration problems in the bricks inside this unique monument. The acquisition of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment will help determine the composition of many types of museum materials, such as pigments used on paintings, surface coatings, and alloying materials in metals, before a decision is made on appropriate treatment for individual objects in the museum collection.