Jane Alexander African Adventure 1999–2002 © Tate Photography Tate 2016
The sculpture conservation team is made up of conservators and specialist technicians who manage, maintain and conserve the collections, which range from the traditional marble bust to multi room installations and kinetic works.
The materials are numerous form wood, metal, painted surface, to textiles, plastics, found items, ceramics, light, and food stuffs. The team manage obsolescence of light bulbs, mechanical parts and source ephemeral materials for works as required and in conjunction with artists and curators, such as collecting hair to create hair balls, sourcing flowers and procuring fruit, potatoes and wine gums.
The combination of materials, how they are used and the scale allows for constant learning and adaptation of conservation techniques.