Hong Kong’s sub-tropical climate, characterised by high heat and humidity, prolonged exposure to sunlight as well as huge seasonal temperature variation, presents major challenges to the team in upkeeping outdoor exhibits that are especially prone to cracking. “Obviously an enclosed environment, which is more manageable, will set our mind at greater ease,” said Chan with a smile. But having said that, the team, striving its best to improve visitor experience, is determined to confront the issues as the true beauty of wood fossils cannot be fully explored unless they are put next to real trees in an open space with natural light.
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06 March 2023Many may see visiting the museum as a leisure activity or a real eye-opener. But for those who are aware of the scarcity and uniqueness of the exhibits, it is an amazing cultural encounter worth cherishing.
“Having the chance to come face-to-face with these historic treasures, I may say, is somewhat coincidental,” said Chan Shing-wai, who has over 30 years of experience in conservation. Standing next to the million- of-year-old wood fossils at Nina Park, the veteran conservator spoke very frankly about his admiration for this unusual cluster in natural history.
Nina Park, an outdoor urban parkland adjacent to Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West and forming part of Nina Mall, is set to open in Q4 this year, showcasing a remarkable collection of near 100 ancient wood fossils. The natural heritage dated back to an era of active tectonic activities between 2.6 and 5.3 million years ago. While buried trees completely decay within a few years under normal circumstances, woods instantaneously buried deep underground in volcanic ash will eventually become petrified as they are protected from decomposition by water and bacteria, thus making them so rare and precious.
Chan Shing-wai, Lead Conservation Consultant of Nina ParkAs the Lead Conservation Consultant of Nina Park, Chan’s major responsibilities cover all aspects of managing its exhibits from evaluation, restoration, and protection of the wood fossils, moving arrangements to tender drafting. Every single step entails great attention to details. Whenever Chan visits the site he always brings along his “magic pocket”, which stores reference materials and powerful gadgets ranging from magnifiers, pliers to a collection of pens, each of which is designed specifically for making marks on different surfaces and textures.
Gadgets stored inside Chan’s “magic pocket”
“Good records help save and protect relics. Like a family doctor, we need to keep track of our ‘patients’’ conditions in order to decide on the next steps. "
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Once Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Heritage and Museums), Chan has been fully aware of the crucial role museums play in education and leisure. While Tsim Sha Tsui currently has the highest concentration of public museums in Hong Kong, Tsuen Wan is amongst districts with limited local cultural amenities though it houses the Sam Tung Uk Museum. Nina Park is set to meet community needs in this respect. “The Science Museum has got its own fossil collections, but we are positioned to become a tree fossil park engaging in systematic conservation, benefiting Hong Kong society as a whole,” said Chan. -
The new landmark emphasises sharing resources with the community. Entry is free and what’s more, seven wood fossils have recently been lent to the Science Museum for public exhibition. In Chan’s opinion, public and private museums undoubtedly share a common goal – serving the world at large. “I look forward to more opportunities for knowledge sharing in the future. We count on collaboration and interaction to grow and flourish,” concluded the conservation specialist.
Nina Park
8 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan -
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