Conservation has long been associated with the use of advanced scientific analysis, which it uses to understand more about the objects it is charged with preserving, as well as how the materials used for conservation behave and interact. AA&R is well placed to assist in a wide variety of conservation projects through providing access to resources that were until now largely the preserve of major institutions only. Typical areas of research AA&R can assist with cover characterisation of materials such as pigments, binding media, varnishes and layer structures; extended assessment of condition through standard and novel imaging techniques; analysis of conservation materials (such as monitoring stability of adhesives through organic analysis); specialist advice on cleaning and so forth.