The Western Australian Museum undertook a delicate operation to remove the Zeewijk cannon from Marine Terrace last Tuesday, so it can be transported to Fremantle for critical conservation treatment.

With the help of the City of Greater Geraldton, a small crane safely lifted the 289 year-old cannon from its concrete plinth and place it onto a cushioned trailer bed, where it was carefully wrapped in padding and canvas before travelling to the Materials Conservation department of the WA Museum in Fremantle.

Once there, it will undergo a full conservation assessment to determine how best to halt and treat the significant decay caused, in part, by exposure to the elements.

Regional Manager of the WA Museum – Geraldton Leigh O’Brien said the cast iron cannon, which was raised in 1962, has exhibited signs of decay over the years, and has reached a stage where conservation treatment is vital for the preservation of this important piece of maritime heritage.

“The cannon’s condition is monitored by our Materials Conservation team, who have identified worsening cracks and delamination of the corroded surface iron and concretion layer, as well as large surface losses where pieces of the cannon are actually flaking off onto Marine Terrace,” said Ms O’Brien. 

“Unfortunately the Zeewijk cannon has already lost many identifying features, such as weight and possible VOC markings, we want to halt the corrosion and preserve what’s left.

“The best chance we have to preserve this cannon for the benefit of future generations is to place it in the care of our Materials Conservation team, who will endeavour to retain and maintain the integrity and condition of this very significant artefact.”

As custodian of the biggest collection of excavated maritime archaeological material in the world, the Western Australian Museum plays a vital role in its conservation, to ensure that all of these very important artefacts are preserved for reference, research and exhibition, now and for future generations.

While in Fremantle the cannon will be cleaned, removing dust, surface salt and airborne particles, receive a thorough visual inspection, then be treated with a corrosion inhibitor and observed for a period of time to evaluate the effectiveness of any ongoing treatment required.

The WA Museum’s Materials Conservation department follows international standards of best practice in the use of preventative and remedial conservation techniques.

While any decision on where the Zeewijk cannon will ultimately be displayed will depend on its conservation outcome, the latest condition report recommended the artefact be protected from the elements.  If able to be returned to display, the report recommends it be displayed indoors to prevent further deterioration.

Jane Rosevear
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
(08) 6552 7805
jane.rosevear@museum.wa.gov.au