When my mother died two years ago, I inherited a large collection of family archives, photos and memorabilia, which I have been slowly sorting through. One of the most striking things I found was an unsigned letter sent to my grandmother during World War I, from someone serving on the Western Front. It was probably from George Eddington, my grandmother's first cousin, who was killed at Ypres in October 1917, but I can't know for sure. The letter enclosed a silk ribbon of the type used for service medals, and a red poppy of the type which grows in France and Flanders and which became a symbol of the sacrifices of that war ("In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row.") It had been folded away in a box for nearly a century, which served to preserve it amazingly well. I wanted to display this remarkable piece of family history, but without risking the letter fading or the flower crumbling away. So I have had the letter, ribbon and flower professionally conserved, mounted and framed, so that I can hang it without risk of damage. This work was done by Erina McCann of Tiaki Objects Conservation (who was recommended to me by Nick Henderson). Erina also prepared a report which details the conservation process. I recommend her work to anyone who has objects like this in need of conservation.

— Adam Carr, Private Collection, WWI letter, blue medal ribbon and pressed flower

Erina came highly recommended to me by one of my colleagues, as a great consultant, when I needed someone to present an on-demand conservation workshop for small museums in the Bass Coast Shire. She was always quick to respond, understood the needs of the audience, prepared and wrote a day’s training on topic, and with some excellent feedback, presented very well. I would not hesitate to employ Erina again.

— Bridget Forbes, Events Co-ordinator, Melbourne, Australia.

We tasked Erina with quite a tricky job relating to a framed collection of assorted objects – medals, silk sashes and a mounted photograph. All were in various states of disrepair, with the sashes being in a particularly bad state.

Erina did a wonderful job for us in cleaning and preserving all of these items. She was warm, friendly, efficient and professional, and we received numerous updates during the process - her communication was excellent. We were very pleased with the result, and would have (and have had) no hesitation in using her services again. Thanks Erina!

— Greg Hunter, Collections Registrar, Australian Sport Museum

Erina worked tirelessly to improve the presentation and condition of a large range of objects for display at the Australian Sports Museum. She also created storage boxes for a large object that will eventually be moved to a different display location and which as a result has been safely and securely cared for. Its professionalism, range of expertise and flexibility makes Tiaki Objects Conservation a highly recommended service!

— Alex Chubaty

Erina presented to fourteen workshop attendees who represented nine heritage groups. Erina created a friendly atmosphere and was clear, informative and inspired the participants. There was an overall buzz in the room and lots of smiles on the way out.

Since l had heard some of the people telling me how they are looking after their objects and asking when will be doing more workshops.

— Josephine Kent, Arts and Culture Officer, Bass Coast Shire Council