Development Officer, Collections Council of Australia Ltd

 

Veronica Bullock has a strong background in material culture. After Honours training in prehistory/archaeology she worked as an Assistant Curator on the bicentennial development of the Powerhouse museum in Sydney. Her introductory exhibition was an early example of immersion multi-media presentation and included objects from the full range of collections including design, technology, science, decorative arts and Koori and Australian history and culture.

 

In a move designed to bring her closer to objects Veronica undertook the intensive Scientific Principles of Conservation course in Rome at ICCROM (UNESCO affiliate advising on materials conservation), which led to employment as Assistant Paper Conservator at the State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW). Acquaintance with the treasures of the State, Mitchell and Dixson libraries inspired Veronica to continue in materials conservation, but also to become part of the new SLNSW business Conservation Access.

 

A shift to Conservator at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) in 1994 exposed Veronica to the vibrant maritime collecting culture. Her focus here was divided equally between exhibition schedules and collection care, with perhaps her most solid contribution being the establishment of the Archival Housing Project. Veronica trained four volunteers in the documentation and custom housing of collection objects ranging from archival documents and rare books to wrought iron shipwreck artefacts, to boats and massive textiles.

 

When Veronica began the new University of Western Sydney, Master of Applied Science (Materials Conservation) degree in 1998 she decided to reinforce her catholic interests in material culture, rather than specialise in paper conservation. Advanced technical and museum studies tuition led to the production of two original pieces of work: an analysis of conservation treatment waters which was published and reported at national and international conferences; and a significance study/conservation plan for a set of massive wrought iron and sandstone objects held at the ANMM. This latter piece of work was awarded the 2004 Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Heritage Prize.

 

Veronica’s work and training in material culture have brought her into contact with many different collection types and ways of thinking about cultural heritage. She is excited about using her experience to help evolve thinking on the role of collections in human development.

 

Since joining the Collections Council in September 2005, Veronica has originated and developed many concepts and contacts. Most prominent amongst her achievements are Conservation Survey 2006, the Significance 2.0 project and publications, Australian collections sector statistics, and guidance for Blue Shield Australia.

 

In late 2009, Veronica was selected as a Fellow of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) in Rome, Italy. Her last day in the Collections Council office was 12 March 2010. The Board and Secretariat of the Collections Council congratulate her on gaining a prestigious ICCROM Fellowship, and extend good wishes for the future.

 

2010    Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
Australian Institute for Social Relations

 

2004    Master of Applied Science (Materials Conservation) (Hons)
University of Western Sydney

 

1988    Certificate in the Scientific Principles of Conservation
ICCROM, Rome

 

1984    Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
Australian National University