There are more than a thousand shipwrecks located along the Western Australian coastline, however due to a combination of biological deterioration and the movement of water and sand the majority of WA wrecks are rarely found intact

As part of the Western Australian Museum’s The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West, Museum conservation scientist Vicki Richards will discuss the circumstances in which the wrecks can survive in good condition, the chemistry involved in shipwreck deterioration, and how science is used in preserving our underwater cultural heritage.

“If the vessel and associated artefacts are well buried under sediment the wrecks can survive in good condition even after centuries of immersion,” Ms Richards said.

The 1960s to the late 1980s brought a steady expansion in the excavation and conservation of shipwrecks, which Ms Richards said has changed in more recent times.

“There has been a move towards more passive forms of shipwreck protection by introducing more stringent legislation and in-situ stabilisation techniques in association with minimal intervention of shipwreck sites.

“Over the past 50 years extensive chemical research has been carried out on shipwrecks to better understand the mechanisms of decay of different materials and apply the most appropriate chemical treatment regimes to ultimately stabilise recovered objects.”

For the past 24 years Ms Richards has been a Research Chemist in the Materials Conservation Department of the WA Museum. Her research activities have primarily concentrated on understanding degradation mechanisms and improving the current treatments for metals and organic materials recovered from shipwreck sites. She also performs on-site conservation surveys to establish long-term in-situ preservation of these sites.

The lecture, given during National Science Week, is part of The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West which is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.

Ms Richards will speak at the WA Museum – Albany on 18 and 19 August. National Science Week runs from 13–21 August 2011. For more information visit http://www.scienceweek.gov.au/

Lecture: The chemistry of shipwrecks
When: Thursday 18 August 2011, 7:00pm, Friday 19 August 2011, 2:00pm                 
Where: Western Australian Museum – Albany, Residency Road, Albany
Bookings Essential: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
Cost: By gold coin donation.

Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T. 9212 3856 M. 0424 027 646