Wilson Fok is a student with University of Melbourne’s Masters of Cultural Materials Conservation program. Wilson is interning with the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History from September-November 2024.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at the Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History as part of my Master of Cultural Materials Conservation degree. This placement allowed me to engage directly with the challenges of preserving historical objects while exploring the intersection of science, medicine, and cultural heritage.
With a background in archaeology, I’ve always been interested in objects related to human anatomy and their historical contexts. The Geoffrey Kaye Museum, with its extensive collection, offered a unique chance to work with artefacts that blend medical history with intricate craftsmanship.
One of my main projects involved preparing a condition report for an educational anatomical model. Created in Germany around the 1950s, this plaster model presents a detailed 1:1 median section of the human head, showcasing features such as the skull, brain, spinal cord, and various cavities. The model is hand-painted, with numbered labels identifying different anatomical components, reflecting its role as a teaching aid.
Phywe, Educational Model. Painted plaster model, 37.0 x 30.0 x 4.1 cm (overall). VGKM2608.
Anatomical models like this played a key role in medical education from the 16th to the 20th century. They offered a practical alternative to fresh cadavers, which were harder to acquire and came with ethical and logistical challenges. Models also provided students with three-dimensional visualizations of anatomy that surpassed the limitations of flat, two-dimensional illustrations.
Examining the model in detail, I noted its generally good condition but identified some conservation challenges. Small chips in the plaster, minor paint loss, and dark spots—possibly inactive mould—were among the issues documented. The nature of plaster, while relatively stable, makes it sensitive to factors such as moisture and fluctuations in environmental conditions, which can contribute to deterioration over time. Additionally, its brittle structure requires careful handling to avoid physical damage.
My report included recommendations for preventive conservation, such as dry cleaning to remove surface dirt and maintaining stable humidity and temperature levels to protect the plaster and paint. These measures are essential to preserving the model’s historical significance, as it serves as a testament to its historical use and represents plaster anatomical models that were widely used from the late 1880s to the early 1930s.
Working on this project deepened my understanding of the broader role conservation plays in preserving objects like this. Beyond maintaining their physical condition, conservation involves recognizing the historical and educational significance of artefacts and ensuring they continue to communicate their stories effectively. Engaging with a museum collection in a museum setting provided a more grounded perspective. This model, for example, represents a fascinating era in medical education, reflecting advancements in anatomical study and the growing demand for innovative teaching tools—considerations that informed my assessments and recommendations.
The internship also provided insights into the operational side of museums. Working with curator Veronica, I observed the practicalities of managing a collection, from documentation and preventive care to ensuring conservation efforts work hand in hand with public engagement. This hands-on experience complemented my academic studies and gave me a clearer understanding of the field.
Overall, my time at the Geoffrey Kaye Museum has been a rewarding and enriching experience. It gave me the chance to put what I’ve learned into practice and build on my skills while working with a fascinating collection that connects the history of medicine to the present. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of museum work and the importance of conservation, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this unique collection and for all that I’ve learned along the way.