The new year is just around the corner! We’re hanging up our brushes, scalpels, and heated spatulas for a well-deserved break. But before we do, let’s take a moment to look back at what the conservation team has been up to this year.
January
We kicked off the year with a big moment – the museum reopened its doors. The Kodak Gallery looked amazing with refreshed content alongside the classics we all love.
We even shared our favourite objects in this blog post.
Curious about the behind the scenes prep? Check out these posts:
- Getting ready for reopening: Behind the scenes of our Kodak gallery
- Getting the Kodak gallery ready for reopening
February
February saw the installation of the first big objects into the Sound and Vision galleries. The IMAX projector gave us a real challenge—it didn’t even fit through the door at first! Rebecca shared the full story in this post.
Photographed 3rd July 2025.
March
Most of the object conservation was wrapped up ahead of the big Sound and Vision install. Buddy the Gorilla got some TLC from Vanessa and Ellie, who cleaned him up with swabs and detergent to tackle the weeping oil from his skin. Sadly, that oil will keep migrating as he ages, so Buddy will need ongoing care.
You can spot his two Buddy heads on Level 5 of Sound and Vision.
April
High-vis? On.
Steel-toe shoes? On.
Tools and materials? Ready.
Showcases cleaned, objects prepped—gallery installs were in full swing!
May
The Xenomorph alien joined the Behind the Screams section in Sound and Vision. Installing her was no easy feat. We also had to climb into the case multiple times for lighting checks and kept wiping away fingerprints and footprints to make sure she looked flawless.
Another highlight? The animatronic March Hare head. Read about its conservation journey here.
June
June was the final push to finish mounting and installation. Vanessa completed a last big job—mounting and framing magic lantern slides in interactive frames with push buttons to protect them from excessive light exposure.
July
The Sound and Vision galleries opened. After years of work, it was incredible to see visitors exploring the new spaces, interacting with the collection, and having fun. Hearing people marvel at Buddy, try foley artistry and dive into creative experiences was the best reward.
Check out our favourite objects in Sound and Vision.
August
Sadly, we also said goodbye to Ellie, our amazing Project Conservator, when she left NSMM.
September
Post-Sound and Vision life began! We filled the gap with practical, satisfying tasks like making bespoke folders to protect photographic albums.
October
Vanessa represented the museum and the conservation work that goes on behind the scenes at the 4th Regional Meeting on Conservation and Restoration in Madeira. This is a conference organised by Regional Directorate of Archives, Libraries and Books in collaboration with the Regional Directorate for Culture of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, dedicated to museum storage practices. A proud moment for the team.
November
We welcomed Ben to the conservation team.
November was all about preventative conservation, including a huge team effort to protect collections ahead of building works needed.
December
We wrapped up the year with a celebration alongside Curatorial, Corporate Information, and Volunteer Management colleagues, visiting Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and the Turner Prize 2025.
Don’t miss out on a trip to Bradford before the year ends. Bradford is the UK’s City of Culture 2025, and we can’t wait to welcome you here.