Frequently Asked Questions
1. What function does HCC perform?
The Heritage Conservation Centre is a repository and conservation facility for museum artefacts and artworks that belong to the collections of the 3 National Museums in Singapore, under the National Heritage Board. In other words, we house and preserve artefacts that are not on display to the public.
2. Does the HCC take in donations of artefacts?
HCC does eventually handle donated artefacts as they are brought through the accessioning process to become part of the museums' collections. Donations of artefacts should be address directly to the respective museums.
3. I have a collection of antiques that seem quite precious to me. Can I bring them to HCC to have them assessed or valued?
The Centre does not have this area of expertise. It is best to bring your collection to be valued by a professional or an auction house.
4. I have a collection of treasures that have deteriorated quite badly. Can I bring them to HCC to have them restored or treated?
HCC does not provide conservation or restoration treatment service to private individuals. There are a few professional private conservation enterprises in and around Singapore where you can have this done. Before you do so, you may want to check out some useful websites which offer tips on how to wish to do some research to select a suitable conservator to match your needs.
5. I recently came to possess a number of objects that seem to be quite old, but I can't be sure they are. Can I bring them to HCC to have them dated?
HCC does not have facilities to conduct authentication or assessment of artefact age.
Can you give me some advice on how to store or do simple repairs to my personal collections?
You can learn about proper storage and handling tips from the Collections Care section of this website.
1. I noticed from your descriptions that HCC uses a lot of archival material like acid-free tissue and boxes. May I know where I can purchase these for my own use?
Many of the materials and equipment that we use are imported directly from overseas merchants. However, you can obtain some equipment and materials locally. Please see the list below for more details.
The National Heritage Board gives no endorsement for any products or materials mentioned in this web site and is not responsible for problems from their use or misuse. NHB does not make and warrant, express or imply; does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information or process disclosed; nor represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.
i. Cotton / Latex gloves - to prevent oils from our skin coming into contact with sensitive collectibles such as metals, paper, garments and textiles.
Koma Industrial Gloves Pte Ltd
ii. Acid free paper - for buffering, storing and wrapping artefacts.
Favor International Pte Ltd
iii. Bubble wrap, PE foam - good for buffering as it is chemically inert and non-abrasive.
Eli Packaging Industries Pte Ltd
iv. Ethafoam - for buffering and supporting heavy objects.
Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd
v. Acid free mounting and matting rag boards - good for making mounts for prints, paintings or photographs as these boards do not fade, discolour or turn brittle as quickly as the acidic ones.
Letraset Singapore Pte Ltd
vi. Plastic trays - properly buffered, these can act as safe, stable storage containers or temporary holders to move objects around in.
Singa Plastics Ltd
Other materials that you may need, such as waxed brown paper, technical pens and masking tape are available at most stationery stores.
2. Do you have any online sources of information on historical events in Singapore, such as newpaper articles and old photographs and maps?
If you need information on historical events and documents, the best place to approach is the National Archives of Singapore. The NAS also has a searchable online database at www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline which is a useful research tool.