4.3 Preservation Strategies and Environmental Control

Preserving collections is a complex task that requires understanding various threats to objects. From physical forces to pests and environmental factors, each agent of deterioration poses unique risks. Curators must be vigilant in identifying and mitigating these threats to ensure long-term preservation.

Preventive conservation is key to protecting collections. This involves risk assessment, environmental monitoring, and implementing control measures. By focusing on non-invasive actions and developing comprehensive strategies, institutions can minimize damage and reduce the need for invasive treatments.

Agents of Deterioration

Physical, Chemical, and Biological Threats

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• The ten primary agents of deterioration are physical forces, thieves and vandals, fire, water, pests, pollutants, light, incorrect temperature, incorrect relative humidity, and dissociation
  • Each agent poses unique risks to different types of materials
• Physical forces can cause damage through impact, shock, vibration, pressure, and abrasion
  • Fragile objects like ceramics, glass, and paintings are particularly susceptible to physical damage
• Chemical threats, such as pollutants, can accelerate object deterioration through abrasion, corrosion, and staining
  • Porous materials (paper, textiles) and metals are especially reactive to pollutants
• Biological threats, including pests and mold, can cause irreparable damage to collections
  • Pests, such as insects and rodents, can eat, burrow, and leave behind residues on objects
    • Organic materials like wood, paper, and textiles are most attractive to pests
  • Mold growth can occur on a variety of materials due to high humidity or water damage

Environmental Factors and Material Sensitivity

• Light exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, can fade colors, yellow papers, and weaken fibers over time
  • Sensitive materials like textiles, photographs, and works on paper are most vulnerable to light damage
• Incorrect temperature and relative humidity can lead to various forms of deterioration
  • Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause warping, cracking, and dimensional changes in objects
  • High humidity can promote mold growth and corrosion of metals
• Water damage from floods, leaks, or high humidity can lead to warping, staining, corrosion, and mold growth on a variety of materials
• Fire can quickly destroy entire collections, especially those containing flammable materials like paper, textiles, and plastics
  • Smoke and water damage from fire suppression efforts can also harm objects
• Dissociation, or the loss of object information or context, can occur due to poor documentation, labeling, or storage practices
  • This can diminish the research and educational value of collections

Preventive Conservation Measures

Risk Assessment and Planning

• Preventive conservation focuses on non-invasive actions to avoid or delay object damage and minimize the need for interventive treatments
• Conducting risk assessments helps identify potential threats to collections and prioritize mitigation strategies
  • This involves evaluating building conditions, environmental factors, storage and display practices, and institutional policies
• Developing emergency preparedness and response plans is crucial for protecting collections during disasters or unexpected events
  • Plans should include procedures for evacuation, salvage, and recovery of objects
  • Staff training and regular plan updates are essential for effective implementation

Environmental Monitoring and Control

• Implementing proper storage and handling procedures can minimize physical risks to objects
  • Using archival materials, padded shelving, and protective enclosures can prevent damage from abrasion, impact, and pressure
  • Establishing guidelines for object handling, transport, and display can reduce the likelihood of accidents or misuse
• Limiting light exposure can slow down the rate of photochemical damage to sensitive objects
  • Using UV filters, low-level lighting, and timed switches can help control light levels
  • Rotating light-sensitive objects on display can minimize cumulative exposure
• Reducing exposure to pollutants can be achieved through various methods
  • Installing filtration systems can remove airborne pollutants from storage and display areas
  • Regular cleaning and using inert storage materials can minimize the buildup of dust and off-gassing from harmful compounds
• Integrated pest management (IPM) programs can effectively control pest populations and minimize chemical use
  • IPM emphasizes prevention through sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring pest activity
  • Targeted treatments, such as trapping or freezing, can be used to address infestations without widespread chemical applications

Security and Disaster Preparedness

• Establishing security protocols can deter theft and vandalism
  • Implementing access restrictions, surveillance systems, and staff training can help prevent unauthorized entry or handling of objects
  • Conducting regular inventories and maintaining up-to-date documentation can aid in the recovery of missing objects
• Installing and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems is essential for protecting collections from fire damage
  • Smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers should be strategically placed and regularly inspected
  • Staff should be trained in fire safety procedures and the use of suppression equipment
• Preventing water damage involves a combination of building maintenance and storage practices
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of roofs, pipes, and drainage systems can prevent leaks and floods
  • Using water alarms and storing objects away from potential leak sources can minimize the risk of water damage
  • Having emergency supplies, such as plastic sheeting and absorbent materials, on hand can aid in quick response to water intrusion

Environmental Control for Stability

Temperature and Relative Humidity

• Environmental monitoring involves regularly measuring and recording temperature, relative humidity (RH), and light levels in storage and display areas
  • Data loggers and sensors can provide continuous monitoring and alert staff to any deviations from acceptable ranges
• Ideal temperature and RH ranges vary depending on the material composition of objects, but generally, cool and stable conditions with minimal fluctuations are recommended
  • For mixed collections, a temperature between 18-21°C (64-70°F) and RH between 45-55% are common target ranges
  • Certain materials, like metals and photographs, may require lower RH levels around 30-40% to prevent corrosion or deterioration
• Environmental control can be achieved through various methods
  • HVAC systems can regulate temperature and humidity levels throughout a building
  • Portable humidifiers/dehumidifiers can address localized issues or provide additional control in specific areas
  • Localized enclosures, such as display cases or storage cabinets, can create microenvironments with optimal conditions for sensitive objects

Light Levels and Seasonal Adjustments

• Light levels should be kept as low as possible while still allowing for visibility and access
  • Recommended light levels vary based on material sensitivity
    • For highly sensitive materials (textiles, photographs), levels should not exceed 50 lux with no UV radiation
    • For moderately sensitive materials (paintings, plastics), levels should not exceed 200 lux with minimal UV radiation
  • Light meters can be used to measure and monitor light levels in different areas
• Implementing seasonal adjustments can help mitigate environmental risks
  • Reducing light levels during summer months can minimize fading and heat gain from sunlight
  • Adjusting HVAC settings to account for changes in outdoor temperature and humidity can maintain stable indoor conditions
  • Rotating objects on display can prevent prolonged exposure to environmental stressors
• Regularly reviewing and analyzing environmental data can help identify patterns, trends, and potential issues
  • This information can guide decision-making for environmental control strategies and help prioritize improvements to storage and display conditions

Conservation Treatment Plans

Condition Assessments and Treatment Goals

• Conservation treatment involves direct interventions to stabilize, repair, or restore damaged objects
  • Treatments should be minimally invasive, reversible when possible, and thoroughly documented
• Developing a treatment plan requires a thorough assessment of an object's condition
  • This includes examining the object's structure, materials, and any visible damages or alterations
  • Non-destructive analysis techniques, such as X-radiography or infrared imaging, can provide additional information about an object's condition and history
• Treatment goals should be established based on the object's condition, institutional priorities, and available resources
  • Goals may range from basic stabilization to full aesthetic restoration, depending on the object's intended use and significance
  • Ethical considerations, such as preserving original materials and respecting the artist's intent, should also guide treatment decisions

Collaboration and Documentation

• Conservators often specialize in specific material types (paintings, textiles, paper) and have advanced training in chemistry, material science, and hands-on techniques
  • Collaborating with conservators who have relevant expertise can ensure appropriate and effective treatments
• Collaboration with other specialists, such as scientists, historians, and artists, can provide valuable insights and expertise throughout the treatment process
  • Scientists can assist with material analysis and developing new treatment methods
  • Historians can provide context about an object's history, production, and cultural significance
  • Artists can offer guidance on aesthetic choices and techniques for contemporary works
• Proper documentation is essential for communicating treatment decisions, tracking object conditions over time, and informing future care strategies
  • Written reports should include a description of the object, its condition before treatment, the treatment proposal, and any changes made during treatment
  • Photographic documentation should capture the object before, during, and after treatment, as well as any significant details or anomalies
  • Treatment records should be maintained in a secure, accessible format and linked to the object's catalog information

Treatment Techniques and Evaluation

• Common conservation treatments include surface cleaning, consolidation of fragile materials, repair of tears or losses, removal of old restorations, and application of protective coatings
  • Surface cleaning can remove dirt, grime, and accretions that obscure an object's appearance and contribute to deterioration
  • Consolidation involves applying adhesives or consolidants to strengthen weakened or flaking materials
  • Repairing tears or losses can improve an object's structural integrity and aesthetic appearance
  • Removing old restorations, such as discolored varnishes or inappropriate repairs, can reveal an object's original surface and improve its overall condition
  • Applying protective coatings, such as varnishes or waxes, can help prevent future damage from environmental factors or handling
• Post-treatment evaluations and monitoring can help assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify any unintended consequences or new vulnerabilities
  • Regularly inspecting treated objects can detect any changes or deterioration that may require further attention
  • Gathering feedback from stakeholders, such as curators, researchers, and visitors, can provide valuable insights into the impact of treatments on an object's interpretation and use
  • Adjusting environmental conditions or treatment protocols based on post-treatment evaluations can help optimize long-term preservation strategies