Unique Māori cloak conservation project shortlisted for award

Culture Perth and Kinross learnt today that they have been shortlisted for the Museums and Heritage Restoration or Conservation Project of the Year.

The team have preserved a unique example of a Māori cloak or kahu kākāpō (‘cloak of kākāpō feathers’) for future generations to enjoy after conducting vital conservation work in partnership with the British Museum and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The cloak will go on display in the new Perth Museum being developed in Perth city centre, set to open in the spring of 2024.

A video summarising the project is available on YouTube:

Discover more about the kahu kākāpō in this blog from The British Museum, including more on the treatment and care of the cloak. https://blog.britishmuseum.org/caring-for-the-only-known-full-kakapo-feather-cloak-in-the-world/

The new Perth Museum being developed at Perth City Hall is due to open in Spring 2024. It will be managed in partnership between Perth and Kinross Council and Culture Perth and Kinross and is supported by £10 million from the UK Government as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal – a £700 million regional investment programme jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments and regional partners.