Care of Objects

This workshop is designed as an introduction to the care of mixed collections for staff and volunteers. Topics covered include structure and properties of various organic and inorganic materials, how and why these materials change and how to document and manage change. The format is interactive, with demonstrations and practical exercises as well as discussion periods focused on the significance and use of collections, types of care, and preservation strategies that balance use and care.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• recognize various organic and inorganic materials found in mixed collections;
• identify basic changes to their physical and chemical properties;
• understand the most common effects of the ten agents of deterioration;
• prepare condition reports;
• make informed choices on ways to manage change using accessible and effective strategies, procedures and equipment; and
• incorporate different types of care into the development of balanced preservation strategies.

Units

Recognizing and documenting change and its causes

• Structure and properties of organic materials such as skin, leather, fur, feathers, bone, antler, ivory and plant materials as well as plastics and inorganic materials such as metals, glass, ceramics and stone
• Causes of change
• Close-up study of materials to recognize different kinds of change and their likely causes
• Condition reports and terms to describe an object’s condition

Managing change

• Overview of framework for preservation
• Accessible and effective strategies, procedures and equipment for managing change
  • Integrated pest management
  • Lighting policies and exposure guidelines
  • Handling and moving collections
  • Detection and monitoring
  • Enclosures, microenvironments and sorbents
• Materials for storage and display

Round-table discussions

Topics include significance and use of collections, types of care and developing balanced preservation strategies.

Target audience

Staff and volunteers in heritage or cultural institutions who need to better understand how materials change in order to manage mixed collections. This workshop aims to offer a foundation of basic knowledge and is therefore not intended for conservators, conservation technicians or anyone already familiar with this topic.

Special requirements

Facilities

• Lecture room: the lecture room should be large enough to accommodate worktables (approx. 1 m × 2 m) and chairs for the number of enrolled participants (up to 20 participants possible; plan two people per table) plus additional tables (five or six) for the various supplies and demonstrations. It should be equipped with electrical outlets, a screen, a flip chart or blackboard and drapes or blinds on the windows. An LCD projector would be useful but can be brought by the instructors. A blank wall for posting information is required, approximately 3 m (10 ft.) wide. The contact person must be willing to accept and store workshop materials shipped in advance of the workshop.
• Pre- and post-workshop access to the lecture room: access to the lecture room is required for set-up about three hours on the afternoon prior to the workshop as well as for up to two hours following the end of the workshop (4 to 6 pm) to pack up.
• Exhibit and storage areas (optional): access to exhibit and/or storage areas for a short tour and discussion would be beneficial.

Language(s)

English and French

Duration

Two days

Enrollment limits

Minimum of 10; maximum of 20 participants