Mary Rose conservation scientist Eleanor Schofield on preserving Tudor ship and artefacts at the Mary Rose Museum | The Life Scientific

Overview

Eleanor Schofield, Director of Collections at the Mary Rose Trust, discusses conserving the Mary Rose, the largest collection of Tudor artefacts, and the challenges of maintaining a ship salvaged from the Solent. The interview weaves scientific methods, including polyethylene glycol impregnation and controlled drying, with personal stories about loss and resilience.

Key Points

The conversation covers the ship’s salvage, the drying process, artefact conservation including iron and bricks, the use of synchrotron facilities for material analysis, and the role of material science in heritage conservation. It also touches on Schofield’s career path, family experiences, and the broader community of maritime conservation.

Introduction to the Mary Rose and Eleanor Schofield

This Life Scientific special is set at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, where Eleanor Schofield explains why the Tudor warship Mary Rose is such a pivotal historic relic. The ship and its thousands of artefacts form the world’s largest Tudor collection; the exhibit offers a cross-section of life aboard a 16th century vessel, from personal items to large cannons. Schofield, a materials scientist by training, emphasizes that the value of the collection comes from everything that survived the marine environment, not just objects deemed historically important.

From Scientist to Conservator

Schofield’s career path—from Imperial College London through synchrotron research to the Mary Rose Trust—highlights the cross-disciplinary nature of conservation science. Her early work on synchrotron science and radioactive waste management informs her later conservation challenges, particularly the study of aged wood and the neutralisation of acids produced by sulphur and iron in marine timbers. The discussion reveals how fieldwork in heritage settings often demands inventive, non-destructive approaches to characterize materials without damaging unique artefacts.

The Salvage, PEG Treatment, and Drying Strategy

The Mary Rose sank in 1545 and was salvaged in 1982 after decades of searching. The flagship’s recovery introduced the PEG (polyethylene glycol) impregnation strategy to replace water in the wood, enabling a slow drying process that prevents cracking while maintaining authenticity. The drying process involved complex airflow and environmental controls to ensure uniform drying across the ship, with the aim of minimal intervention and long-term stability. Schofield reflects on the dedication required to monitor and adapt these conditions over many years.

Challenges with Artefacts and the Role of Synchrotron Research

Not all pieces respond the same to conservation methods. The team has faced issues with marine archaeological iron and cannonballs, discovering that previous chloride removal treatments might not have fully addressed degradation. To understand these processes at a deep level, researchers used synchrotron facilities, including the UK’s Diamond Light Source, to analyze bricks and other materials, enabling better protective strategies and storage decisions to preserve hundreds of cannonballs and thousands of bricks in appropriate conditions.

Personal Journey, Family, and Future Directions

Beyond her scientific work, Schofield shares the personal impact of family experiences, including her daughter Violet’s Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome diagnosis and treatment, which shapes her perspective on resilience and balance. The interview concludes with a look to the future: integrating large datasets from laser scans and chemical analyses, mapping the ship’s condition over time, and mentoring the next generation of conservation scientists. The Mary Rose project continues to invite collaboration and innovation, combining practical conservation with cutting-edge science to safeguard Tudor history for future generations.

“The Mary Rose is a cross-section of Tudor life, not just a ship” — Eleanor Schofield

“Science is about applying experiments to real heritage, keeping the wood authentic while ensuring stability” — Eleanor Schofield

“Conservation is a collaborative, evolving process that combines data, craft, and care” — Eleanor Schofield