Conservation Lab, Department of Archaeologies

The Department of Archaeologies at the University of Innsbruck has had its own section for the conservation and restoration of archaeological finds since 1955. The focus is on the preservation and research of material remains of past cultures and archaeological cultural heritage. The lab works with a wide range of materials, including metals such as bronze, iron and gold, as well as glass, plaster, bone and organic remains such as textiles, wood and leather. This diversity requires specialised conservation measures. Working on the objects also opens up opportunities for archaeometric and interdisciplinary research, combining archaeological questions with scientific methods.

People: Ulrike Töchterle

Expertise: Archaeological conservation and material stabilization, including desalination of iron artefacts, high-resolution digital microscopy, and a broad spectrum of exposure, cleaning, and surface analysis methodologies for the documentation, preservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage materials.

Equipment: iron desalination, digital microscope Keyence VHX-6000, Accessories for various exposure methods