Can arts and culture survive without plastic? Do bioplastics pose a threat to the preservation of artworks? Should we be looking towards new materials for future conservation?

This event explored our complex relationship with plastic decomposition and the major role it plays in conserving works of art. It also looked at recent developments in plastic manufacturing taking into consideration environmental concerns and the production of biodegradable plastics with a potentially negative effect on the long term stability of plastic works within museum collections.

Panelists: Brenda Keneghan, Macolm Collum and Gavin Murphy and moderated by Ian Brunswick.