Attachment-N_NPS_Ex_Conserv_Guidelines.pdf

National Park Service

Musuem Conservation Services @ Harpers Ferry Center

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines Second Edition – 2012

Incorporating Conservation Into Exhibit Planning, Design and Production By:

Toby Raphael

National Park Service • Museum Conservation Services • Harpers Ferry Center for Media Services

Second Edition Incorporating Conservation Into Exhibit Planning, Design and Production By: Toby Raphael

Credits Introduction How to Use Bibliography Poster Navigational Map Search DOC Website

Narrative Guidelines

Technical Notes

Case Details & Illustrations http://www.nps.gov/hfc/conservation/exhibit

Publication Credits

Map

The following publication was produced in 1999 by the U.S. National Park Service, Division of Conservation. The Exhibit Conservation Guidelines is a multimedia educational resource created to facilitate the incorporation of conservation into the exhibition design and production processes.

By

Toby Raphael, Conservator

T. Raphael

N. Davis

K. Brookes

With Major Contributions from Nancy Davis, Object Conservator Kevin Brookes, Design and Illustrations

Project Administrator Martin Burke, Associate Manager-HFC, Conservation

Additional Contributors

NPS

Larry Bowers, Donald Branch, Whitney Burch, Barbara Cumberland, Antje Neumann, Brian Breeden, David Arnold, Linda Blaser, Cindy Darr, Mary Herber, Kathy Montgomery, Phil Musselwhite, Dan Riss.

Interns Elizabeth Brown, Margaret Brueker, Amy Fernandez, and Brenda L. Smith.

Non-NPS John Battle, Bruce Collins, Explus Inc., John Hunter, Bettina Raphael, Seth Raphael, Carolyn Rose.

Editors and Publisher Ellen Cochran Hirzy, Sandhya E. Asirvatham, Rose Marie Wilson CD-ROM publication by SANAD Support Technologies Inc.

Publishing Support CD-ROM publication was made possible in part by financial support from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

Introduction

Exhibition design that incorporates conservation early in the planning stages can provide a protective environment for objects and appropriate conservation solutions that do not compromise aesthetics.

About these Guidelines

Exhibition and preservation are central to museums.

The very act of exhibition, however, can set in motion the rapid deterioration of museum objects. Exhibit conservation, the subject of these guidelines, focuses on practical techniques that protect museum collections while on display.

These guidelines make the case for early and active involvement of a conservator in the exhibit process.

Exhibit conservators have a body of information to share with designers and other exhibit specialists to ensure a preservation-responsible approach to design. An exhibit conservator begins by articulating the criteria for safe display of the objects chosen. These conservation criteria allow the exhibit team to integrate conservation in exhibit planning, design, and production.

Experience shows that a successful product demands a close, constructive working relationship between qualified exhibit and conservation specialists as well as a sense of responsibility among team members for collections preservation.

These guidelines present a variety of techniques that the exhibit team can use in working together to fulfill critical conservation criteria. Enclosing sensitive objects inside well-designed exhibit cases is a practical approach to object preservation, so considerable technical information on exhibit case design and fabrication is included.

Although these guidelines will be useful in the preparation of many kinds of exhibits, they are primarily concerned with interpretive exhibits of three-dimensional objects (such as those from history, anthropology, natural science, and archival collections), not with wall-hung gallery displays of fine art. They do not focus on the technical aspects of framing works of art although the protective features of microclimate frames are discussed.

The guidelines predecessor, Conservation Guidelines:

Design and Fabrication of Exhibits, was written by Toby Raphael more than 20 years ago as a tool for integrating conservation into exhibits produced by the National Park Service. Because the intervening years have seen an exponential increase in our knowledge of preservation, the publication has been revised and expanded.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

How to Use This Publication Map

Using This Resource

The Exhibit Conservation Guidelines is a tool and technical resource for preservation-responsible exhibit design. It does not attempt to provide definitive standards, but identifies general conservation guidelines for the safe display of objects and provides enough information to allow creative solutions for meeting the conservation criteria established for a specific exhibit.

Although each exhibit situation is different, working within these guidelines will protect the objects on display from deterioration and damage. While the information focuses on stationary exhibits, it also applies to traveling exhibits. Likewise, the handbook can be helpful in retrofitting existing exhibits.

Exhibit planners, curators, designers, and fabricators will find these guidelines helpful. Exhibits of collections will benefit from beginning to end involvement of a conservator, and many situations require it.

Institutions are urged to use their own conservation staff or consult with a private conservator or regional conservation facility with experience in exhibit conservation.

Structure of the Guidelines

The new Guidelines have three parts. Hypertext links in the written narrative reference the general discussion to the pertinent Exhibit Technical Notes and Case Details and Illustrations.

1. Narrative Guidelines: This part has four sections which outline the basic knowledge needed to produce a preservation-responsible exhibit. It provides a framework for including conservation in the exhibit development and production process. Each topic is preceded by a list of Conservation Guidelines that summarize critical considerations and recommendations. Topics include:

A: Exhibit Planning - integrating conservation concerns into exhibit planning;

B: General Exhibit Design - overall design strategies and understanding the exhibit environment;

C: Exhibit Case Design - designing a conservation-grade case and providing a protective microclimate; and

D: Fabrication and Installation - producing and installing a preservation-responsible exhibit.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

How to Use This Publication

Cont’d

2. Exhibit Technical Notes: The TechNotes are a series of technical summaries that provide the detailed information required to implement many of the conservation guidelines.

Examples of commercially available products are given to illustrate materials that meet conservation requirements.

Mention of a product, manufacturer, or supplier by name in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of that product or supplier by the National Park Service. It is suggested that readers also seek alternate product and vendor information to assess the full range of available supplies and equipment.

3. Case Details and Illustrations: The technical illustrations of exhibit case details provide drawings that demonstrate how to build conservation features into exhibit casework. These drawings are of actual exhibit cases which have been fabricated and proven effective.

They demonstrate many important fabrication tips.

How to Use the Narrative Guidelines

Use Section A to gather information and enhance conservation understanding -

• Clarify the steps of the exhibit planning process.

• Identify overall preservation objectives for the exhibit.

• Identify the specific risks of exhibition to the collections.

• Understand the diverse team members' conservation role.

• Allocate the needed time and financial resources for conservation.

• Include a conservator during the selection of objects.

• Set conservation criteria required for the objects' preservation.

• List the special constraints and requirements.

Use Section B to gather information and enhance conservation understanding -

• Familiarize the exhibit team members with basic conservation strategies and options.

• Assess the proposed exhibit space and projected environment for preservation impact.

• Select the appropriate exhibit format—either open display or the use of enclosed exhibit cases.

• Identify the pros and cons of employing strategies at the room vs. exhibit case level.

• Select the appropriate level response to meet specific object conservation criteria.

• Design environmental control at the most practical and efficient location.

• Perform a risk assessment and select the appropriate design for physical security, stability and access.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

How to Use This Publication

Cont’d

Use Section C to gather information and enhance

• Understand the potential benefits and requirements of conservation-grade cases.

• Detail case entry, object access requirements.

• Evaluate the case’s need for micro-environmental features.

• Select an appropriate level of case seal and ventilation for the circumstances.

• Systematically design the case to meet the specific conservation criteria.

• Engineer cases to achieve appropriate physical security and stability.

Use Section D to gather information and enhance

• Specify conservation safe materials; protect objects from less stable materials.

• Allow sufficient time for testing of new materials, experimental case designs and lighting.

• Familiarize the team with the need for inspections and testing during production.

• Design and fabricate exhibit mounts that support and protect display objects.

• Prepare selected objects for display; provide conservation treatment for objects when necessary.

• Plan a well-organized and safe exhibit installation including proper collections care.

• Recognize the value of systematic maintenance and prepare a thorough maintenance plan.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

Bibliographic Resources

Preparation of the Exhibit Conservation Guidelines relied on the current conservation and exhibition literature. The following books, journals and newsletters were considered valuable bibliographic resources and may serve readers interested in further reading on the subject.

1.Books and On-line Electronic R esources

A. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTION CARE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Applebaum, Barbara. A Guide to Environmental Protection of Collections. N.p.: Sound View Press, 1991.

Excellent resource for the exhibition and preservation of a wide range of collection materials. In addition to specific guidance by material type, the book covers general topics of preventive conservation.

Bradley, Susan. "A Guide to the Storage, Exhibition and Handling of Antiquities, Ethnographia and Pictorial Art." British

Museum Occasional Paper 66 (1990).

Overall summaries of artifact material types, preservation needs and damages caused by poor handling procedures, storage and display conditions. Also addresses environment and provides examples of humidity monitoring and HVAC equipment, however there is no table of contents. Written by various conservation specialists at the British Museum for staff.

"CCI Notes." Canadian Conservation Institute. Accessed October 10, 2011.

http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/crc/notes/index-eng.aspx.

Offers general information for museum personnel involved in collection care. Contains general guidelines, information on environmental monitoring, lighting, integrated pest management; care of collection by artifact material type, disaster planning, spot tests, cleaning of cases. The publication is available in a binder format for easy reference.

http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/crc/notes/index-eng.aspx

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

Environmental Conditions for Exhibiting Library and Archival Materials. Accessed October 20, 2011. ANSI/NISO Z39.79-2001.

These are the latest standards for displaying library materials.

Hatchfield, Pamela. Pollutants in the Museum Environment. London: Archetype Books, 1999.

A thorough guide to the dangers for organic and inorganic based museum collections from environmental contaminants. Both physical and chemical pollutants are included and exhibit case construction is discussed in technical detail.

Hawks, Rose C., and H. H. Genoways, eds. Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach. N.p.:

Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, 1995.

Provides very practical information on causes of deterioration, preventive care for collections, various appropriate storage and display approaches, macro and microenvironments (creation, monitoring and maintenance), selection and testing of materials, facilities management and architectural design considerations.

Konstanze, Bachmann, ed. Conservation Concerns: A Guide for Collectors and Curators. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian

Institution Press, 1992.

An up-to-date summary of collections care information. Covers general issues (such as emergency planning, temperature and humidity control) and information on care of specific material. There is also a chapter discussing the choice of construction materials.

"National Park Service Museum Handbook, Part I Museum Collections." National Park Service. Accessed October 20, 2011. Last modified 2006. http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/handbook.html.

Designed for NPS personnel, but with wider application. Provides introduction to NPS museums, collections and collection management, object preservation, environment, pest management, packing and shipping, storage, treatment, security and fire protection, emergency planning. Printed binder format divided into sections for easy reference and updates.

http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/handbook.html

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

NFPA 909: Fire Protection Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties – Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship

Padfield, Tim. "An Introduction to the Physics of the Museum Environment." Conservation Physics. Last modified 1998.

http://www.conservationphysics.org/.

An electronic publication in progress, intended to serve as a tutorial on museum climate. Includes realistic and practical advice and the author offers to answer questions submitted by readers.

"Resources for the Conservation Professional." Conservation OnLine. Accessed October 20, 2011.

http://cool.conservation-us.org/.

This is the primary site where information from the conservation field can be readily searched and obtained. As an electronic resource it offers the reader access to current trends and a very wide variety of links to other conservation resources.

Thomson, Garry. The Museum Environment. 2nd ed. London: Butterworth Publishers, 1986.

Standard reference used to gain understanding of museum environment. Light, humidity and air pollution are discussed. Some information not up-to-date regarding relative humidity criteria for collections. Useful technical guide to climate control using HVAC and microclimate approaches.

Thompson, John, ed. Manual of Curatorship: A Guide to Museum Practice. 2nd ed. London: Butterworths Heinemann Press 1992.

A very thorough overview of curatorial and conservation concerns, particularly useful for the small museum and historic house museum. Written by various experts and includes a range of practical methods.

Williams, Lull P. Conservation Environment Guidelines for Libraries and Archives. Albany, 1990.

An excellent guide which explains why environmental conditions matter and gives practical advice for maintaining appropriate levels of humidity, temperature and light. Also includes information on the design process. Written for library collections, some specific recommendations may need to be modified for other collections.

http://www.conservationphysics.org/ http://cool.conservation-us.org/

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

B. EXHIBITIONS

Bergeron, Andre, and Carole Dignard. Mount-making for Museum Objects. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1998.

Examines the elements to consider when creating a mount and the base materials and padding available. It includes many illustrations and examples of mounts.

Blaser, Linda. "Construction of Acrylic Book Cradles." Guild of Bookworms 30, no. 1 (Spring 1992): 233-44.

Dean, David. Museum Exhibition: Theory and Practice. New York: Routledge, 1994.

A general reference text on current exhibition development that includes conservation information.

Flecker, Lara. Practical Guide to Costume Mounting. Oxford, 2007.

Hall, Margaret. On Display: A Design Grammar for Museum Exhibition. London: Lund Humphries, 1987.

Begins with a brief history of exhibitions. Following chapters discuss steps in designing. Second half provides conservation information on display methods, lighting issues and environmental needs, organized according to types of objects.

Hatchfield, Pamela, and Carpenter Jane. Formaldehyde: How Great Is the Danger to Museum Collections? Cambridge, 1987.

A thorough review and research into the effect of formaldehyde on various collections. Includes a look at the emission sources and an extensive bibliography.

Klein, Larry. Exhibits: Planning and Design. New York: Madison Square Press, 1986.

Overview of exhibition planning and design process; includes useful charts and examples from a variety of museums.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

Stolow, Nathan. Conservation and Exhibitions: Packing, Transport, Storage and Environmental Considerations. London:

Butterworths & Co, 1987.

An excellent source for information on many aspects of exhibit conservation, including objects in transit, on loan and travelling exhibits. Contains many informative photographs and diagrams. Sets out basic conservation principles on environment, examination reporting, handling, storage, packing techniques, case design, travelling cases, transportation modes and loan agreements.

Tetreault, Jean. Airborn Pollutants in Museums, Galleries, and Archives: Risk Assessment, Control Strategies and Preservation

Management. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 2002.

Tetreault, Jean. Coatings for Display and Storage in Museums. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1999.

A thorough review of the dangers and safeguards of using coatings in close proximity to museum objects.

C. CLIMATE

Ayres, J. M., J. C. Haiad, and Marina Lau. Energy Conservation and Climate Control in Museums. N.p., 1988.

Contains a literature survey covering museum environment (many articles on RH buffers in cases), and building design with emphasis on HVAC systems. Good for use as guide to further reading. Two museums are selected for more in-depth study and computer simulation experiments. Minor information on the construction process is offered.

“Local Climatological Data: Annual Summary with Comparative Data.”

Useful in understanding local weather patterns so that an environmental control strategy suitable to the local climate can be planned. Should be obtained yearly, reviewed and keep on file for reference. Available for most cities from National Climatic Data Center, Federal Building, Ashville, NC 28001.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

"National Air Quality and Emissions Trends Report." United States Environmental Protection Agency. Last modified

1997. http://www.epa.gov/oar/aqtrnd/97.

Tracks air quality for major metropolitan areas providing data on levels of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particular matter, sulfur dioxide and other airborne pollutants.

D. CONSERVATION CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

(The following books [preprints and postprints] from conservation conferences contain relevant papers in each publication;

other conservation organization conference papers may also provide beneficial information. A few examples are listed at the bottom of this section.)

Conservationally Correct: Realities and Innovations for Exhibitions – 21st Annual IIC-CG Conference 1995. Calgary, Alberta: IIC-CG. 1995. Available from: IIC-CG, P.O. Box 9195, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3T9

Focuses on solutions for preservation issues related to exhibits. Many of the presentations are only published as abstracts. Of five complete articles, three are on safe display, storage and transportation materials, one on fiber optics and one on security measures. They are easy to read, informative and practical.

Exhibition and Conservation. Pre-prints of the Conference held at The Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh 21st-22nd April, 1994. Scottish Society for Conservation & Restoration, The. Available from Scottish Society for Conservation and Restoration, The Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. ISBN 0950 8068 70

Informative papers presented by various people involved in development of exhibits (illustrating some of the interplay therein), exhibit case design and renovation of a museum.

Fabric of an Exhibition: Interdisciplinary Approach - Preprints of a Conference Textile Symposium. Von Baeyer, E., Leclerc, L. and Georgiev, S., Editors Ottawa, Canada: Canadian Conservation Institute. 1997.

Recognizing the cooperative role they play with designers and curators, participants’ presentations cover a wide range of topics from contemporary exhibits to long-term displays, exhibition environments, historic houses, travelling exhibits, support and presentation, and expanding professional roles as well as some practical demonstrations/posters for display solutions.

http://www.epa.gov/oar/aqtrnd/97

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

NFPA 909, 2010 Edition

Code for the Protection of Cultural Resource Properties, Museums, Libraries and Places of Worship

Objects Specialty Group Postprints 1991 Volume 1, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hatchfield, Pamela, editor. Washington:

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Objects Specialty Group. 1992.

Focuses on exhibit conservation. Numerous papers presented include volatile organic compounds found in display materials, monitors for pollution detection, sealed display cases and active and passive environmental control systems.

Preventive Conservation: Practice, Theory and Research. Preprints of the Contributions to the Ottawa Congress, 12-16 September, 1994. Roy, A., and Smith, P., editors. London: Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

1994.

Excellent resource containing numerous articles on preventive conservation, pollution monitoring and environmental control of historic and museum quality buildings, as well as at the level of the exhibit case.

Preprints from all Triennial meetings. ICOM Committee for Conservation: Working Group 17, Lighting and Climate

Control. Available from: 1. ICCROM, Via de San Michele 13, 00153 Rome, Italy; Allen Press, Inc., 1041 New Hampshire Street, P.O. Box 368, Lawrence, Kansas 66044; James & James (Science Publishers) Ltd., 5 Castle Road, London, NW1 8PR, United Kingdom

All ICOM triennial meeting preprints have a section on lighting and climate control as well as a section on care of art in transit. They may also contain relevant papers under other sections which are grouped according to specialized areas such as: scientific examination of works of art, painting, ethnographic materials, sculpture, modern art, stone, etc. Papers are written by experts in the field.

Preprints from all annual IIC meetings. The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

Available from IIC, 6 Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6BA, UK. e-mail via Internet: iicon@compuserve.com.

All IIC meeting preprints contain relevant papers under sections which are grouped according to specialized areas such as: scientific examination of works of art, ethnographic materials, etc. Papers are written by experts in the field.

mailto:iicon@compuserve.com

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

Examples: The following are a few examples of papers which are presented in the above publications.

Blackshaw, S.M. and V.D. Daniels. "Selecting Safe Materials for Use in the Display and Storage of Antiques." Preprints of the International Council of Museums’ Committee for Conservation Triennial Meeting, Zagreb, Yugoslavia, 1978.

Hopwood, W.R. "Choosing Materials for Prolonged Proximity to Museum Objects." In Preprints of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Annual Meeting, Toronto, 1979.

Michalski, Stefan. "Relative Humidity: A Discussion of Correct/Incorrect Values." In Preprints of the ICOM-CC, Lighting and Climate Group, 1993.

Oddy, W.A. "The Corrosion of Metals on Display." In Conservation in Archaeology and the Applied Arts, Preprints of the

International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Conference, Stockholm, 1975.

Weintraub, Steven. "A New Silica Gel and Recommendations." In Preprints of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Milwaukee, 1982.

Weintraub, Steven. "A New Design for a Low Maintenance Silica Gel System for the Control of Relative Humidity in a

Sealed Case." Preprints of the IIC Congress, September 1980, Vienna, pp. 55-56.

2.Conservation Journals, Newsletters, and Bulletins

(The following journals, newsletters and technical bulletins contain papers on exhibit materials, design and the environment. A few examples are listed at the bottom of this section.)

Journal of the American Institute for Conservation: Available from the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, 1156 15th Street N.W. Suite 320, Washington D.C. 20005; Phone: 202-452-9545; fax: 202-452-9328

ISSN0197-1360

Canadian Conservation Institute Technical Bulletin: Available from the Canadian Conservation Institute, 1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1 4S7, Canada.

Museum: Published bimonthly by the American Association of Museums, 1575 Eye St. N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C.

Museum Conservation Services• National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael, Nancy Davis and Kevin Brookes, April 1999, Second Edition 2011

20005; (202) 289-1818; FAX (202) 289-6578.

Studies in Conservation: Journal published quarterly by The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and

Artistic Works. Available from IIC, 6 Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6BA, UK. e-mail via Internet:

iic@iiconservation.org

WAAC (Western Association for Art Conservation) Newsletter: Published 3 times a year. Copies may be obtained online at the WAAC Website at http://cool.conservation-us.org/waac

Technology & Conservation of Art, Architecture & Antiquities: For Magazine Analysis/ Preservation/ Restoration/

Protection/ Documentation; published quarterly. It can be obtained from The Technology Organization, Inc., 76 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143

Museum Practice – Display. Editor David Martin. Volume 1, Issue 2. July 1996. Available from the Museums Association, 42 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R OPA

The Exhibitionist. Magazine editor Jay Rounds, National Association of Museum Exhibitors, American Association of

Museums. Biannual publication that contains a technical note in each publication.

Examples: The following are a few examples of papers which are presented in the above publications.

Brimblecome, Peter, and Brian Ramer. “Museum Display Cases and the Exchange of Water Vapour.” Studies in

Conservation 28 (1983): 179-88.

Cassar, May and Peter Osborne. “Showcases Checklist for Specifiers.” Museum Practice Vol. 1, Issue 2 (1996): 54-57

Lafontaine, Raymond H. “Silica Gel.” Canadian Conservation Institute Technical Bulletin 10 (1984).

Miles, Catherine E. “Wood Coatings for Display and Storage Cases.” Studies in Conservation 31 (1986):114-24

Thomson, Gary. “Stabilization of Relative Humidity in Exhibition Cases: Hygrometric Half-time.” Studies in

Conservation 22 (1977): 85-102.

mailto:iic@iiconservation.org http://cool.conservation-us.org/waac

Technical Notes

Section 1, General Planning and Design Topics 1:1 Exhibition Conservators: How to Select One 1:2 Conservation Checklist for the Exhibit Planner 1:3 Security Options for Exhibit 1:4 Establishing the Conservation Criteria 1:5 Handling Guidelines for the Exhibit Team 1:6 Object Rotation in Exhibits 1:7 Replacing Collection Objects 1:8 Selecting Taxidermy Specimens for Exhibit 1:9 Creating Natural and Architectural Settings within Exhibits 1:10 Using Exhibit Props 1:11 Using Fake Food and Artificial Plants in Exhibits 1:12 Exhibit Maintenance Manuals 1:13 Cleaning Exhibit Objects on Open Display 1:14 Cleaning Exhibit Cases Section 2, Environmental Control 2:1 Monitoring Exhibit Case Temperature and Relative Humidity 2:2 Controlling Temperature Inside Exhibit Cases 2:3 Setting Relative Humidity (RH) Parameters 2:4 Silica Gel Products and How to Use Them 2:5 Containers for Silica Gel 2:6 Conditioning Silica Gel 2:7 Conditioning Silica Gel with a Saturated Salt Solution

Incorporating Conservation Into Exhibit Planning, Design and Production

Home Page

Credits • Introduction • How to Use • Bibliography • Poster • Navigation Map

Case Details and Illustrations

Section 1, Exhibit Case Styles 1:A Free-Standing Case Examples, 1 1:B Free-Standing Case Examples, 2 1:C Wall Case Examples, 1 1:D Wall Case Examples, 2 1:E Exhibit Case Anatomy

Section 2, Case Lighting 2:A Lighting Source Locations 2:B Lighting Duration and Intensity Controls 2:C Integral Lighting Access 2:D Lighting Compartment Heating 2:E Light Modifying Devices 2:F Incandescent Lighting 2:G Fluorescent Lighting 2:H Fiber Optic Illuminator Locations 2:I Fiber Optic Lighting Options

Section 3, Access and Security 3:A Lift-off Case Access 3:B Hinged Door Access to Cases 3:C Specialized Case Access

2:8 Low-Tech Solutions to Boost Low RH in Winter Climates 2:9 Monitoring Pollutants Inside an Exhibit Case 2:10 Using Pollutant Absorbers Inside an Exhibit Case 2:11 Pest Management for Exhibit Areas Section 3, Sealing of Exhibit Cases 3:1 Degree of Case Seal: Air Exchange Rates 3:2 Creating Well-Sealed Frames and Display Packages 3:3 Using Gaskets to Seal Exhibit Cases 3:4 Using Caulk Sealant to Seal Exhibit Cases 3:5 Using Ultrasonic Leak Detection Equipment to Test Exhibit Case Seal 3:6 Determining Exhibit Case Air Exchange Rates 3:7 Filters for Ventilated Cases Section 4, Exhibit Case Lighting 4:1 Exhibit Lighting Plans 4:2 Exhibit Lighting Relamping Schedule Form 4:3 Lighting Control Options: Dimmers, Films, Filters 4:4 Lighting Control Options: Diffusing Panels 4:5 Light Filtering Options: UV Filters Section 5, Exhibit Case Construction Materials 5:1 Safe and Harmful Materials for Use in Exhibits 5:2 Testing Materials for Use in Exhibits 5:3 Hazardous Emissions from Wood Products

A Exhibit Planning A:1 Integrating Conservation into the Exhibit Process A:2 The Exhibit Team A:3 The Role of the Exhibit Conservator A:4 Selecting Objects A:5 Establishing Conservation Criteria A:6 Collections Management

B General Exhibit Design B:1 Multilevel Conservation Response B:2 Exhibit Format and Layout B:3 Temperature and Relative Humidity B:4 Particulate Contamination B:5 Chemical Pollutants B:6 Exhibit Lighting B:7 Biological Infestation B:8 Physical Security B:9 Emergency Preparedness and Fire Protection

C Exhibit Case Design C:1 Designing a Conservation-Grade Case C:2 Case Stability, Security, and Access C:3 Sealed Exhibit Cases C:4 Ventilated Exhibit Cases C:5 Lighting Design within Cases C:6 Humidity-Control Principles C:7 Active and Passive Humidity-Control Systems C:8 Pollution-Control Systems

D Exhibit Fabrication and Installation D:1 Choosing Stable Materials D:2 Using Less Stable Materials D:3 Design and Fabrication of Conservation Mounts D:4 Exhibit Production and Object Installation D:5 Exhibit Maintenance

3:D Physical Security 3:E Structural Security 3:F Electronic Security

Section 4, Construction Materials 4:A Wood Construction 4:B Metal Construction 4:C Case Furniture

Section 5, Environmental Control 5:A RH Control: Use of Silica Gel 5:B RH Control: Mechanical Systems 5:C Locating Absorbers in Cases 5:D Accessing Absorbers in Cases, 1 5:E Accessing Absorbers in Cases, 2 5:F Accessing Absorbers in Cases, 3 5:G Air Circulation 5:H Forced Ventilation 5:I Passive Ventilation

Section 6, Case Air Seal 6:A Gaskets 6:B Gasket Applications: Compression

5:4 Using Plywood for Exhibit Case Construction 5:5 Using Composite Panels for Exhibit Case Construction 5:6 Barriers and Sealants for Wood Products 5:7 Using High Pressure Laminates in Exhibit Case Construction 5:8 Interior Paints for Exhibit Cases 5:9 Using Decorative Fabrics Inside Exhibit Cases 5:10 Adhesives for Use Inside Exhibit Cases Section 6, Exhibit Case Glazing 6:1 Selecting Exhibit Case Glazing 6:2 Security Glazing for Exhibit

Figures and Tables

Figure 1 Conservation and the Exhibit Process Figure 2 Checklist for Conservation Involvement Figure 3 Contributions of Team Members to Preservation Figure 4 Conservation Criteria Form Figure 5 Exhibit Area Preservation Features and Control Figure 6 Exhibit Case Preservation Features and Control

6:C Gasket Applications: Corners and Hinges 6:D Case Sealing Techniques, 1 6:E Case Sealing Techniques, 2 6:F Case Sealing Techniques, 3 6:G Case Sealing Techniques, 3 6:H Unsealed Examples

Incorporating Conservation into Exhibit Planning, Design, and Production

Aexhibit Planning B General Design

C Case Design D Fabrication and Installation

Conservation and the Exhibit Process Appropriate Design Solutions Conservation and Case Design Case Construction Materials

INTEGRATING CONSERVATION INTO THE EXHIBIT PROCESS

Integrate conservation early in the exhibit planning phase.

Provide adequate time and resources for conservation requirements.

Search for balanced and appropriate conservation solutions.

THE EXHIBIT TEAM

Work cooperatively and share conservation responsibility.

Utilize supportive design staff with conservation experience.

Require detailed plans that specify performance criteria.

THE ROLE OF THE EXHIBIT CONSERVATOR

Include an exhibit conservator on the exhibit team.

Involve the exhibit conservator in the earliest stages of the process.

Preservation-Responsible Planning

SELECTING OBJECTS

Select appropriate display objects and avoid selecting too many.

Take into consideration the aesthetics and treatment requirements of objects.

Avoid permanent exhibit of objects.

Allow adequate time and resources to prepare, mount, or replicate objects.

ESTABLISHING CONSERVATION CRITERIA

Determine the conservation needs of each individual object.

Establish necessary and realistic conservation criteria for display.

Incorporate the conservation criteria into exhibit design.

COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT

Ensure safe handling of objects in all phases of exhibit development.

Stabilize all objects according to need.

Include appropriate documentation for all objects.

Protect objects during photography.

MULTILEVEL CONSERVATION RESPONSE

Design for environmental stability and protection.

Consider both macro and micro approaches.

Choose an appropriate and efficient level of response from the multiple options.

Exhibit Format and Layout Use enclosed display when possible.

Allow sufficient room for traffic flow.

Group together objects that have similar conservation criteria.

Understanding the Exhibit Environment

TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Obtain baseline information about the temperature and relative humidity.

Control the environment within the entire exhibit space.

Locate sensitive objects in the most stable locations.

Provide additional control for sensitive objects.

PARTICULATE CONTAMINATION

Monitor particulates and enclose sensitive objects.

Use high-efficiency filters in environmental systems.

Use localized filtration equipment as needed.

CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS

Monitor pollutants and enclose sensitive collections.

Incorporate chemical filters in the environmental systems.

Provide adequate air circulation.

Select stable construction materials.

Aerate the exhibition space before object installation.

EXHIBIT LIGHTING

Develop a lighting plan that reflects conservation criteria.

Limit total light exposure.

Filter all sources of ultraviolet radiation.

Control infrared radiation.

Exclude sunlight.

Construct lighting mockups.

BIOLOGICAL INFESTATION

Examine objects for signs of infestation and active mold.

Design exhibits to inhibit infestations.

Enclose objects when the risk of infestation is high.

Avoid introducing insects through props and unchecked exhibit materials.

Control human activities that encourage infestation.

PHYSICAL SECURITY

Conduct a risk assessment.

Provide the appropriate level of protection.

Use tamper resistant hardware.

Facilitate authorized curatorial access to the objects.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND FIRE PROTECTION

Develop fire protection and emergency response plans.

DESIGNING A CONSERVATION-GRADE CASE

Design cases as protective enclosures.

Establish performance criteria.

Provide detailed, explicit drawings and specifications.

Build and test complicated case designs as prototypes when possible.

Test the fully assembled case in its final location.

CASE STABILITY, SECURITY, AND ACCESS

Construct a physically stable, structurally secure case.

Provide appropriate security features.

Ensure practical access design for curatorial entry.

Sealed Exhibit Cases Use sealed display cases when appropriate.

Design well-sealed cases with tight joints and gaskets.

Use conservation-appropriate sealants.

Test case performance.

VENTILATED EXHIBIT CASES

Use ventilated cases for appropriate applications.

Control air ventilation and the seal of cases.

Use positive-pressure cases when appropriate.

LIGHTING DESIGN WITHIN CASES

Develop a case lighting plan and specify appropriate lighting equipment.

Isolate lights from the display chamber.

Reduce heat gain and temperature cycling.

Incorporate heat-reflecting and insulating materials when necessary.

Microclimates within Exhibit Cases

HUMIDITY-CONTROL PRINCIPLES

Provide a well-sealed case that will support humidity control.

Ensure adequate air circulation within the case.

Provide separate access to the environmental maintenance chamber.

Test the case before enclosing objects.

Monitor the interior relative humidity for the duration of the exhibit.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE HUMIDITY-CONTROL

Establish whether the goal is stabilization or control.

Select an appropriate passive or mechanical system.

Provide safeguards for mechanical systems.

Include appropriate and sufficient moisture-absorber medium for passive control.

Test and monitor the case.

POLLUTION-CONTROL SYSTEMS

Incorporate enough absorber to remove pollutants for six months to one year.

Ensure unrestricted airflow.

Provide access to change the absorber.

Maintain the absorber.

CHOOSING CONSERVATION-APPROPRIATE MATERIALS

Select conservation-safe materials for case construction.

Avoid adhesives within the object display area.

Review the composition of commercial interior finishes.

Allow sufficient curing time before installing objects.

Isolate objects from painted or varnished surfaces.

Select and attach decorative fabrics carefully.

USING LESS STABLE MATERIALS

Use the least hazardous materials available, and isolate objects from them.

Aerate the case after applying coatings and sealants.

Isolate objects from problematic surfaces.

Incorporate a pollutant absorber or scavenger.

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF EXHIBIT MOUNTS

Design and fabricate mounts for object installation ahead of time.

Protect the integrity of the object.

Support the entire object to avoid physical stress.

Provide adequate support for flexible objects.

Support all parts independently over as large an area as possible.

Stabilize objects to prevent vibration.

Ensure the security of framed works.

Exhibit Installation and Maintenance

EXHIBIT PRODUCTION AND OBJECT INSTALLATION

Avoid transporting objects into production areas.

Inspect exhibit assemblages that affect objects during the production phase.

Complete construction before beginning object installation.

Evaluate the exhibit team’s performance.

Exhibit Maintenance Provide a maintenance manual which includes the conservation criteria.

Monitor exhibit conditions.

Perform necessary maintenance to ensure the continued performance.

Keep the exhibit area clean.

Plan ahead for the safe movement and rotation of objects.

Perform a risk assessment and address potential problems.

Conservation and Exhibition Conservation-Grade Exhibit Cases

Produced from the Exhibit Conservation Guidelines Project, by the Division of Conservation, 1998 • Tel: 304-535-6139 • www.nps.gov/hfc/conservation Museum Conservation Services• Harpers Ferry Center for Media Services• National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/hfc/conservation

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Contents at a Glance

Exhibit Planning By incorporating preservation as an integral part of the planning process, museums can ensure preservation-responsible design. Integrate conservation concerns early, commit sufficient time and resources and share the responsibility for preservation among exhibit team members.

General Exhibit Design Preservation-responsible design need not be an all-or-nothing proposition. By selecting the appropriate level of conservation response, the design can be tailored to specific object requirements. Conservation criteria can be met using a variety of design options.

Exhibit Case Design Displaying three-dimensional objects inside exhibit cases and framing two-dimensional materials provide a level of protection that cannot be matched by open display. Case designs should be systematically developed; microenvironments can be established within cases to fulfill a wide range of conservation criteria.

Exhibit Fabrication and Installation Diverse materials are available for construction and finishing exhibits. Near objects, however, only high quality, non-hazardous materials should be used. Enough time and resources should be allowed to test unknown materials, fully assess exhibit casework and lighting, and properly install exhibit assemblies and objects.

Technical Notes Case Details & Illustrations Figures and Tables

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines • National Park Service • Content Development by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, April 1999

Division of Conservation • National Park Service • Content Development by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, April 1999

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Contents in Detail

Exhibit Planning

Conservation and the Exhibit Process

A:1 Integrating Conservation into the Exhibit Process

A:2 The Exhibit Team

A:3 The Role of the Exhibit Conservator

A:4 Selecting Objects

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines • National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, 1999

A Exhibit Planning

Integrate conservation early in the exhibit planning phase. Make a commitment to preserving objects placed on exhibit by including conservation concerns throughout the development and production of the exhibit.

Provide adequate time and resources. Build in enough time for development and review of technical designs, case prototypes, lighting mockups, and the testing of proposed materials. The schedule must allow for safe handling, exhibit mount making, and installation. Budget for tasks, such as treatment and special casework.

Search for balanced and appropriate solutions. Conservation solutions should be chosen that efficiently meet the needs of the specific exhibit circumstances.

A successful museum exhibit fulfills its educational intent, is aesthetically engaging, and protects the objects on display.

The Exhibit Process The development and production of an exhibit are organic processes. By incorporating preservation as an integral part of the process, a museum can create an exhibit that fulfills its educational intent, is aesthetically engaging, and provides a protective environment for the objects.

Each person involved in the exhibit process has some responsibility to ensure that museum objects are not damaged as a result of display. Exhibit conservators serve as liaisons between conservation and exhibition, helping to bring about a balance between preservation and display.

Dual Responsibilities of Museums The common mission of museum—to collect, preserve, and interpret collections—involves a complex web of responsibilities. The preservation commitment is to long-term conservation of the artistic, natural, and cultural resources entrusted to an institution. Exhibits are important and effective interpretive tools, but they expose objects to conditions that can damage them. Exhibition

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines • National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, 1999

Conservation is a thread to be woven through the four stages of exhibit development and production:

planning, design, fabrication, and installation.

and preservation do not have be at conflict if exhibit specialists employ appropriate and balanced conservation solutions.

An exhibit's design and environmental conditions have profound effects on the long-term preservation of museum objects. Exposure to intense light, wide variations in temperature and humidity or excessive humidity, dust and pollutants, and inappropriate handling and mounting techniques can irreparably damage objects. On the other hand, objects illuminated at relatively low light levels, housed in an environment with appropriate and stable temperature and humidity, and supported by protective mounts will remain in good physical condition.

Conservation and the Exhibit Process Conservation is a thread to be woven through every stage of the exhibit process. The conservator's expertise is too often introduced late—in some cases, after the initial design has been approved. It is costly and difficult, if not impossible, to retrofit exhibits. The challenge is to design and produce preservation-responsible exhibits that also attract and inform the public. Discussion and cooperation among the designer, curator, and conservator at the beginning of a project can ensure a successful balance.

Successful inclusion of conservation means the involve-ment of conservators in key exhibit decisions and the provision of critical conservation services. (See Figure 1) Integrate conservation into these four aspects of exhibit development:

• Planning: Object selection should take into account the current condition and future welfare of each object.

Include a conservator in the selection process. Allowing sufficient time and resources to address the preservation requirements established by the conservation criteria is critical to the conservation success of an exhibit.

• Design: The conservation criteria affect the design concept, display format, and layout. Sensitive collections may require specific climatic conditions.

The lighting plan should reflect a concern for light-sensitive objects.

• Fabrication: The methods used to build the exhibit environment should meet the conservation criteria.

Construction materials, especially the exhibit casework, require careful selection, inspec-tion, and testing to ensure that they will not damage the objects they house.

• Installation: The installation process should be orchestrated to avoid damaging collections, with specific care given to the handling of objects.

Object mounts are a special area of conservation concern and the development of an exhibit specific maintenance manual is critical in providing preservation information.

The following chart highlights the steps in exhibit devel-opment (planning and design) and production (fabrication and installation) that require conservation involvement. (See Figure 2 ) Conservation will play a greater role in some phases than in others. Issues such

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines • National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, 1999 as environmental conditions and object handling are a concern throughout the process. Some issues even affect whether an exhibit proposal is carried to fruition and which objects are placed on view.

Commitment of Time and Resources As solutions to conservation concerns are worked out, more planning and design time may be required. Time for appropriate collections management, such as the tracking and proper handling of objects, must also be allowed. Providing sufficient time to construct and test case mockups ensures that elements of conservation design actually perform as intended. Likewise, the exhibit budget must include special conservation features and costs, such as archival framing, sealed cases, or additional security measures.

Exhibit Conservation Guidelines • National Park Service • Developed by Toby Raphael and Nancy Davis, 1999

Work cooperatively and share conservation responsibility. Each team member should take responsibility for understanding basic conservation issues and working with other members to achieve preservation-sensitive displays. The search for balanced and appropriate solutions often requires compromise.

Utilize supportive design staff. Use designers who are experienced in working with exhibit conservators and firms that have a history of producing preservation-responsible exhibits.

Require the highest construction standards. Develop drawings and specifications that clearly articulate the intended conservation features; consider including performance criteria. Oversee production contractors to ensure that conservation components are built as specified.

The exhibit team works…