Research in Wood Conservation

Archaeological and historical objects in Norway does in a wide range mean wooden objects. KHM houses prominent wooden objects like the Viking ships and the Oseberg find, portals and interior from stave churches, Egyptian coffins, and many other objects from ancient and mediaeval times. Therefore it is not surprising that KHM’s Conservation Section dedicates a lot of its capacity on conservation of wooden finds and on research to optimize conservation treatments and display conditions.

Research activities include elucidation of damaging processes, removement of harmful substances like sulphur or acid from wood, application of various conservation materials and investigation of their specific advantages and disadvantages, development of new wood consolidants and studies of indoor climates.

A special focus lies on the alum-treated wooden objects of the Oseberg find which are threatened by an ongoing deterioration caused by this historical conservation method.  

KHM’s Conservation Section is cooperating with numerous institutions, amongst others COST action WoodCultHeritage. You will find newest information from COST and COST  members in the forum „WoodNews“. You are also very welcome to post messages and enqueries on this forum site – please send an e-mail to: hartmut.kutzke@khm.uio.no