Major projects and historic houses: Lessons learned at English heritage

This paper discusses the key collections management issues that arise during a major historic house project using two examples at English Heritage: Down House and Eltham Palace. These issues stem from a lack of understanding by project management about collections management and its role in risk reduction. It has been found that a conservator and curator working in partnership can be effective in influencing decisions and addressing the issues; therefore both should be employed full-time for the duration of any major restoration project.