Eprints.sparaochbevara.se Guide to environmental protection of collections' Abstract

This text provides basic information to those without technical training who are responsible for caring for collections of any kind. A lengthy introduction entitled "The Role of the Non-conservator in the Preservation of Collections," discusses the importance of original objects in our appreciation of history and art, and describes basic ways to approach their care, including examination, documentation, and consulting with a conservator. The main body of the text is divided into two major sections: 1) general issues related to preservation, e.g., temperature and relative humidity, light and lighting, air quality, mold and pest control, and preventing physical damage; and 2) materials that comprise collection objects, types of collections, and ways of looking at them, e.g., inorganic materials, organic materials, objects of mixed materials, and assessing a specific collection. Details are provided on particular materials, including how their appearance and physical properties change with time, typical condition problems, and ways to protect them. Mixed materials section deals with paintings, picture frames, furniture, contemporary works, ethnographic objects, functional objects including books, musical instruments, scientific instruments, guns, etc., and chemically incompatible materials. The difficult problem of nonconservators who want to treat pieces themselves is also considered. Fine arts and non-art collections, such as stamps and natural history specimens, are included. The author favors a consideration of a range of alternatives and their consequences over blanket recommendations. Discussions include practical advice as well as theoretical background.