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Collections Care by Type— Archeological & Natural History Collections - Barbara Appelbaum Books

In the world of museology, collection care is deemed among the most significant attributes as it is the essence of the preservation and cons

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Collections Care of Art on Paper: Art preservation & Conservation

When it comes to art conservation, it is crucial to understand the features of both media and paper and media. Exposing art to conceivably harmful factors like pollutants, humidity, light, and elevated temperatures can stimulate the degradation of products on paper. Such factors can change materials in various ways— discoloring or fading a lot of media much more than others, and darkening or lightening paper—and shifting the visual perspective of the work. Furthermore, there can also be inherent faults in the primary materials that include the artwork which can make Collections Care quite tricky. For example, wood pulp fibers in the paper (a standard constituent of newsprint) or surplus chemicals from the papermaking process can make the paper degrade a lot more rapidly. The oil binder in a lot of printing inks can also absorb into the paper where it is printed and discolor it with time. Curators, conservators, and other specialists have devised the most reliable methods for storing, displaying, and handling art on paper and for overall art preservation.

Methods of storing, displaying, and handling art on paper

● Control UV radiation: Reducing natural light is crucial in art preservation when it's feasible, for example, by blocking filtering light from windows and skylights. Polyester films can also be utilized in windows to clean out ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Equipping artificial light sources that release high levels of UV, like fluorescent bulbs, including UV filters.

● Sheer levels: Sheer levels for art on paper must never surpass 10-foot candles or roughly 100 lux. For delicate media, such as Japanese woodblock prints and watercolors, light levels must not be more than 5-foot candles or approximately 50 lux. A light meter should be used to estimate the amount of light that is cast on the surface of the art.

● Barriers or motion detection sensors: Restrict the light present in the display area or cover it up using an opaque barrier when the artworks are not being observed. Lights can also be equipped with motion detector sensors to switch lights off when the display area is abandoned.

● Temperature: Temperatures, in the room where artwork is displayed and stored, must be kept strictly controlled within the range of 65°–72°F with a fluctuation of fewer than +/-5° within 24 hours. Matted works may be sealed while framing to hinder environmental fluctuations.

● Dry, cool environment: When it comes to art preservation, maintaining a relatively dry, cool, environment is of extreme importance. In general, molds need a humidity level of more than 65% to start to grow. Hence, you need to make sure that you do not store artworks in damp areas, like basements, and in case a space gets damp, you should use a dehumidifier. Make sure that display and storage spaces have proper and fluent air circulation. You should also keep a check on the regular cleaning and maintenance of all floors and surfaces with microfiber cloths and dry-mops to get rid of detritus, dust, and mold spores.

Conclusion

Practices of art on paper are particularly vulnerable to contamination from inadequate storage methods or poor handling methods that can cause deterioration, tears, or creases. Paper can also get compromised when it comes into contact with chemically unstable materials that are generally used for housing or display. Materials that contain wood pulp, which can be also found in any mat boards, are especially susceptible to degradation and heightened acidity that can damage works next to them. Implementing and establishing best practices for storage, display, and handling, are the initial steps in protecting artworks. Thankfully, historic restoration, research, and modern technologies make it feasible to control interior environments to get them suitable for works on paper. Before you move your artwork, you should check the areas properly for any evidence of insect infestation. Many sticky traps can assist in controlling insect activity. If there is an outbreak, you need to contact a pest professional immediately to assess the environment.

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Conservation of art is an attempt to preserve and repair paintings, architecture, drawings, prints, objects such as glassware, furniture, textiles, metal, ceramics, and sculptures which may have been affected or damaged due to negligence

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Museum & Collection Care Resources from home

The lives of people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. The coronavirus compelled all the museums in the world to lock their doors. This led people to rely a lot on digital content and the main focus was to ensure that the public at large had access to ancient history through the virtual world.

It is the responsibility of the communication department to ensure that the public receives authentic content that is reliable. Covid restrictions have made it difficult to share the updated content along with the existing one with people.

New additions and insights are being shared by members of different departments using digital platforms for easy reference of the people. The collections care resources can be accessed through different social media such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Many historians and other educators have started their channel and are sharing the insights through them giving you live tours of the museums. certain books that will help you in connecting to collections care by making you understand the life of people involved in the museum industry and will also help guide the curator in you.

Below is the list of a few museums that share their exhibits and tours online that you can be a part of.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

This museum of art in California is home to many artworks from European culture dating to almost the 8th century. You can find an impressive collection of sculptures, photographs, drawings, paintings, and manuscripts. If European art is your interest do take the virtual tour of this museum.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

You can have a virtual tour of two exhibits in this art museum which is very famous. The first exhibit displays the fashion trends in America from 1740-1895 which includes costumes from the Revolutionary and the colonial eras.

The second collection showcases the artwork of Johannes Vermeer who was a famous Dutch Baroque painter.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

This museum is famous for the spiral staircase of Guggenheim. You can witness this staircase along with the art of contemporary and modern era as well as Impressionist and Post-Impressionist eras from your home through their virtual tours.

Along with these museums, there are some amazing books by Barbara Appelbaum that are like guides for you to understand the museum and are a must-read for all people, curators, and educators, collectors, or even if you have a slight interest in starting your own collection.

Preserve, Protect, and Defend: A Practical Guide to the Care of Collections

You can find detailed information in this book regarding the various aspects of a museum such as collections care along with the artifacts and collections displayed in it. It also tells you how to maintain these collections.

Conservation Treatment Methodology

This book discusses all the details about the treatment and conservation of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more of all types and materials. This book is a guide to all conservators to make apt decisions when they are treating their conserved items.

Guide to Environmental Protection of Collections

This book is ideal for people who may not be technically aware of how to maintain their collections as it explores different ways of taking care of art collections, historical artifacts, collections of natural history, and more. The book has been written for these people to guide them towards the physical care of their collections.

These are a few resources that will help you sit at home and brush up your history or bring in new facts and help you learn more about the world through their individual history and connecting to collections care.

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While collections care is mostly surrounded by preservation and tips to care for antiques etc. not many risks and dangers are highlighted as …

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Collections Care Tips for Curators & Collectors: Storage & Protection against Damage

Antiques and other collectibles are extremely fragile and most sensitive. When it comes to caring for them, perfection is an understatement. This is why art conservation museology lays emphasis on protecting your artwork from damage to secure its make and value. Fortunately for you, all your precious artwork requires a little bit of consistency rather than using chemicals and toxic solutions for it to look pristine.

While art collectors could be individuals or private entities that collect artworks whether for personal admiration or private exhibitions for small gatherings. The art collection is no longer reserved for the aristocrats since the monopoly of the privileged ones has evolved over time.

Art curators, on the other hand, perform care for collections in an institutionalized manner. This includes huge responsibilities to take care of antiques and other collectibles. They are specialists in terms in art conservation and care. What remains unfazed, however, is the significance of collection care for all artworks.

How to Protect Framed Artwork?

1.    Always pay attention to weather conditions.

Humid conditions can have a huge impact on the longevity of any artwork. Make sure the humidity levels of your home do not cross 55%.

2.    Do not clean your paintings. Instead, gently dust it regularly using a soft feather duster. Especially when the painting is not secured with glass or acrylic, make sure to not use any solvent or chemical to clean the paintings. Use ammonia-free glass cleaner for acrylic and glass.

3.    Framed artwork should not be touched using bare hands. Acrylic surfaces are prone to damage on exposure to fingerprints.

4.    Avoid direct sunlight in the room. Exposure to sunlight every day would lead to color damage and affect the lifespan of the artwork due to intense UV radiation.

How to Protect Unframed Artwork?

1.    It would be best to store art in a cool, dry place, preferably dark, to protect the unframed artworks. Collections care experts suggest avoiding sunlight, extreme temperatures, humidity, and fluctuations, etc. to prevent damage.

2.    Never roll or fold unfinished works of art. If it is not framed, it is not ready to be displayed and therefore, should not be rolled in a tube. Make sure to keep it flat while storing it. Rolling unfinished paintings would stain and crack them. It can also dry up if left rolled for long. This is all the more applicable if it is embellished or acrylic paintings.

3.    Make sure to keep the artwork separated. If there are several works of art, make sure to keep them at a distance and flat. If you plan on storing or stacking them together, make sure to place a 4-ply conservation matboard between each unframed artwork. Make sure the rag or matboard to be 2 inches bigger than the original artwork, this prevents creasing, curling, and other potential damages.

Collection Care tips for Artwork Storage

·      Make sure to only use Ph neutral slip-sheets while storing and stacking paper artworks.

·      Pests and signs of infestation are very evident and therefore, should be checked and examined every day. Curators can make it a habit to check for signs of damage every week.

·      When and while handling artwork, make sure to always wear latex or cotton gloves.

·      Never store fresh oil paintings immediately after they are finished. Some can take even a year to dry so wait before storing them immediately.

·       Artworks should not be stored in wooden drawers and shelves as wood is prone to damage due to pests. Fresh artworks should not be stored in closed, concealed areas to prevent mold and fungus.

While the tips mentioned above can save your artwork from damages, regular cleaning, dusting, and maintenance would extend the life of your artworks. Antiques require care and therefore art conservation museology lays emphasis for curators and collectors to store their artworks properly.

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Collections Care Tips on How You Should Care for Antiques

Regardless of your background and professional domain, everyone knows Maintaining priceless pieces like antiques comes at great value. This means it gets equally challenging to keep them in their original, pristine state. Collections care is significant for art collectors and for those who have inherited beautiful heirlooms from their ancestors.

While art collectors may know a thing or two about keeping their antiques in a good condition but for the inheritors and people who have ventured into art collections recently may not know who to care for these items. Keeping antiques in good condition would benefit the owner in the long run as their value only increases with time.

Take a look at some valuable tips for precious antiques and collectibles to keep them in the best possible condition.

1.    Optimal room climate

 It is important to realize that these precious treasures are generations old and maybe even more and therefore caring for them today requires all kinds of precautions. This starts with room temperature. Remember, antiques should not be kept in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Watch out for humidity as it could bring greater collection catastrophe.  Environmental damage causes insidious damage. The humidity in the room should not go beyond 70% as it could result in chemical deterioration and tarnishing to the extent of warping. Humidity below 30% would cause shrinkage and accelerate fragility.  

·      Get a dehumidifier or humidifier depending on your situation

·      Monitor the sources of humidity and heat in the room.

·      Regulated use of air conditioners.

·      Monitor the thermostat during the winter season to avoid overheating.

·      Protect your collectibles from direct sunlight to avoid discoloration.

2.    Dust regularly

Excess of everything is bad; even the chemicals that are meant to protect or treat the antiques could harm them if you overuse or do not wipe them in time. Make sure to keep the mothballs away as it could mess with their finish. Dusting regularly would keep the unwanted chemicals and toxins away from the antiques.

3.    Caring for Fragile Collectibles

 All antiques are precious. However, some delicate ones require extra attention. Pottery, porcelain, and glass antiques must be handled with extreme care while cleaning them to prevent chipping. If you plan on washing them, never use extremely hot or cold water. Instead, use a gentle cleanser using a soft-bristled. Although it is no new information you must never put either of them in a dishwasher; the detergent and extreme heat would harm the condition of the collectibles. Make sure to never use anything to dry them. Let it air dry naturally.

4.    Spare the wooden Antiques

 Wooden collectibles and antiques such as furniture or even the rim of an old painting etc. should be not "treated" with chemicals or polishes. Instead, use a soft cloth to clean it every day. Yes, if it breaks or tears open then the matter should be consulted with a specialist. Applying a chemical or experimenting with a solution on an antique wood surface should be the last thing on your mind or it would be the last time you see the antique in its original condition.

5.    Let’s UN-fix

An antique would work as its namesake when you do not overdo the care. Sometimes, not treating the little chips and dents is the best solution as they are only adding to its prestige than tarnishing it. It would be best to skip perfecting the surface and ignore the finish touches. Care comes from maintenance and not from alter the finish of your antiques by applying wax or polish. When it comes to museum collections care, it would be best to leave some things to professional antique restorers to preserve the charm of the antique.

 Owning a valuable collection of collectibles or antiques is a privilege. Make sure to live up to it but taking proper care of them. Proper Collection care enhances the value of an antique, you may not be too keen on selling it in the future but it would become a perfect heirloom for you to pass down for generations to come.

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Why Is Conservation of Art Important?

Conservation of art is an attempt to preserve and repair paintings, architecture, drawings, prints, objects such as glassware, furniture, textiles, metal, ceramics, and sculptures which may have been affected or damaged due to negligence, natural effects such as timely decay and use by humans. Preservation and maintenance of any artwork and the protection from further deterioration or damage is all art conservation. While art restoration means the renovation of the damaged art and an honest try

Why Is Conservation of Art Important? - Read More about the art conservation in museums.

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Barbara Appelbaum and Himmelstein, consult for museum art conservation and collections care and holding institutions in the United States and around the world.

Barbara Appelbaum and her firm, Appelbaum and Himmelstein, consult for museums and other collections-holding institutions in the United States and around the world.  Based in New York, Appelbaum was trained at New York University and began her career as a conservator at the Brooklyn Museum

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Barbara Appelbaum Books - Collection Care – Presentation (16:9) by Barbara Appelbaum

Read Complete blog here :  Collections care and its significance in Museology

Barbara Appelbaum Books

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Read Full Blog Here :

https://www.barbaraappelbaumbooks.com/post/the-art-conservation-guide-barbara-appelbaum-books

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"Barbara's book is a very straightforward approach to preservation, protection and defense of collections. This is a great book for museum collection managers to share with their staff and volunteers who come in contact with museum artifacts." ~ MJ Davis

Book Review | Conservation Treatment Methodology by Barbara Appelbaum

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Preserve, Protect, and Defend: A Practical Guide to the Care of Collections is an essential text for museum professionals, volunteers and consultants across a wide range of responsibilities: curators, registrars, collections managers, archivists, museum etc.

https://www.barbaraappelbaumbooks.com/preserve-protect-and-defend

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Museum care is challenging. In fact, it can feel sometimes overwhelming.

Must Read Books !!!!

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Infographic -  Top 5 Best Books on Museology - Must Read!!

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