Laurence Birnie

Head of Metals Conservation

I conserve and care for metal objects and objects partly made from metal. It’s a very varied collection, that includes scientific instruments, weapons, silver and gold decorative artefacts and large working objects such as the Reliant steam engine. My job covers objects large and small, except for clocks and watches, which are looked after by our horology department.

My area of specialist expertise is historic metal finishing. Some metals have been coloured by chemicals to make them appear dark in colour. This is particularly common of scientific instruments, many of which are great examples of precise engineering.

I also care for the Museum’s ceramics, glass and stone collections, including several marble busts of Nelson.

My favourite object to talk about

Possibly my favourite object amongst many is the ‘Tarbet Ness’ lighthouse optic, now on display in Neptune Court. I dismantled this object in 1995 and reassembled it in its present position in 1998. I was in charge of its construction so that it would revolve again – framed by one of the large front windows of the Museum and seen from the main road.

Although it’s a big and heavy object, it’s also a beautiful and precisely made piece of engineering. All its parts are numbered and fit together so well that light cannot be seen through the joints.