My name is Susanne Heimel, I’m 23 years old and I just finished a 2-month ERASMUS internship at the Riksantikvarieämbetet in Visby. Viking age bone combs, medieval iron locks or even a modern spoon – working in the Conservation department with archaeological finds makes you feel like holding the past in your hands.
Originally I come from a small, idyllic town in Upper Austria called Steyr, which is basically known for its beautiful historic centre and the yearly flood water. But for four years now I have been living in Vienna doing my studies at the University of Applied Arts in conservation and restoration. It is a five year program, finished by a diploma thesis and rewarded with a Master of Arts.
Our University offers four different subjects to specialize in; stones, textiles, paintings and objects, whereof I have chosen the latter. Within all the different materials, that are put together under the umbrella term “objects” I set my focus on metals and archaeological finds, which combines two passions of mine; metal working and archaeology. Our education program is quite equally based on natural science, conservation science and humanities, half theory half practical work. That also includes a compulsive practice term at some place, where active conservation/restoration is carried out.
Many students use that opportunity for going abroad to do an internship, often aided by the ERASMUS program and that is, what has led me into the Swedish National Heritage Board. In the last two month I got an insight into the responsibilities and working routine of a governmental institution like RAÄ, which was very enlightening for me, since my experiences were limited to work at universities, museums and private business.
Within the Projekt Arkeologisk Konservering I could work on different kinds of find material from Gotlands Museum, like iron, bone or copper alloys and concern myself intensely with the applied treatment methods. Introductions to several analytic techniques (X-ray, XRF, tensile testing, etc.) and Excursions to conservation labs in Stockholm were also part of my program and made it to a round and wide ranged experience that has definitely brought me forward in my studies.
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