Conservation in Action: The Higgins Armory Collection

Arms and armor conservator Bill MacMillan at work in WAM's Idealab

Not everyone gets an anvil in their office. Bill MacMillan, the Museum’s Arms and Armor Conservator, does. Bill is working to conserve a collection of over 1,000 swords, shields, helmets, and more, ensuring the objects look their best when the Museum opens its upcoming galleries for arms and armor.

You are invited to watch along through the doors of the Jeppson Idea Lab, where Bill’s full workstation is now on view. Get an early glimpse at these objects under laboratory conditions, and follow their progress through a fascinating conservation process that is equal parts technical and creative.

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Videos

  • Watch Arms and Armor Conservator Bill MacMillan at work in the Jeppson Idea Lab.
  • A timelapse of the conservation process of a Punjabi shield.