• The Museum Environment Revisited: Managing Heritage Environments in the 21st Century is co-edited by Jane Thompson Webb and Meagan Smith

• New edition of a key reference text for museum professionals and volunteers  

• The book was launched at Lambeth Palace Library on Tuesday 20 January.

A comprehensive new book on the effective management of heritage environments co-edited by Jane Thompson Webb, conservation manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, has been launched at an event at Lambeth Palace Library on Tuesday 20 January.  

The Museum Environment Revisited: Managing Heritage Environments in the 21st Century, co-edited by Jane Thompson Webb and Meagan Smith, collection care conservator at Lambeth Palace Library, is the latest edition of a key reference text for museum, gallery, archive and library professionals.  

Jane is responsible for the care and conservation of collections dating from the 13th to the 21st centuries across Birmingham Museums Trust’s nine museum sites. She also chairs Icon’s Care of Collections and Pest Odyssey groups and is co-creator of the sector resource What’s Eating Your Collection?

This new book revisits and updates core principles of environmental management, reflecting current research, professional standards and sector challenges.

The volume brings together contributions from leading international specialists and explores subjects including environmental monitoring, light, relative humidity, air quality, integrated pest management, sustainability and risk-based decision-making.

It is designed to support conservation professionals, students and heritage practitioners in developing informed, practical and resilient approaches to collection care in the 21st century.

Jane Thompson Webb said:

“This book brings together current thinking and practical experience to help anyone who works or volunteers in heritage organisations to better understand and manage the environments in which collections are housed.  

“By revisiting established principles through a contemporary lens, we hope it will support more sustainable, evidence-based decision-making across the heritage sector.”

Toby Watley, Director of Collections and Estate at Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

“This publication highlights the important and active role Birmingham Museums Trust staff play in contributing to national and international conversations around conservation, preventive care and professional practice.”