AIC's 47th Annual Meeting

Ethical issues on conservation repair were extensively discussed long before 1960s, yet it remains controversial today. Even though guidelines and codes have been sharply defined and well presented, there is a paradigm shift of the original explanation in fast-changing world. The topic of loss compensation has been opened for discussion, resulting in different interpretations and perceptions among conservators from diverse professions in archive, museum and library alike. It was reported at the guidelines of AIC, UNESCO that repair (loss compensation) must be evident, high clarity without impairing manuscripts and writings or damaging; in addition, it should be neat, reversible, durable and cost effective. As a matter of fact, loss compensation does improve the physical condition and sometimes uncover hidden information with the aid of novel scientific techniques; it improves legibility of document and enhances its historic significant; ultimately can restore well-being of the damaged documents and pro-long their lives. This paper will go through the issues mentioned by referring to the treatment of a 100-year-old map from the Hong Kong Lands Department.

Despite the said advantages, some of the archival documents are not advised to be repaired. It is crucial to retain their authenticity and integrity, which should not be obstructed during conservation treatment. Conservators that are unethical and are not wise to conduct repair or loss compensation on archives which may bring the recipients or readers misinterpretation of the objects. The consequences can be catastrophic if wrong decision has been made. Especially, for those archival documents, being court admissible associated with monetary value of other, it is important to hold their intrinsic accountability for civil or criminal proceedings in court. In Hong Kong, the clause of Evidence Law Cap. 8 clearly stated that these archival records are accepted for legal reference. Should the extent of treatment cast any doubts on credibility and integrity of the legal significance of archival records? Different perspectives would be investigated through going through different conservation cases from the HK Government Records Office. It is hoped to re-define the possible role of conservator while dealing with those special archival records in this evolving century.