State Library of Tasmania > Our collections > Tasmanian Resources & Information > Heritage Services and Collections > Conservation

Conservation Information

Heritage collection materials have specific conservation and preservation needs to ensure that they remain in the best possible condition. Dust and Pollutants, Humidity, Light, Insects and Vermin, Moulds and Temperature, can all damage heritage materials.

All materials Books, Leather, Motion picture films and videos, Newspapers, Paintings, Paper, Photocopies, Records and cassettes, Objects, Textiles, and Wood will deteriorate if they are not stored and displayed properly.

But conservation of heritage collections need not be difficult. There are a number of practices and activities using everyday items as well as some specialised archival products that can help you care for your collections.

Activities to protect your collections

Natural and artificial light can damage your collection

All forms of light, including the sun, light bulbs and fluorescent lights contain varying degrees of radiation which can seriously and increasingly damage your collection. The most significant forms of radiation damage are caused by ultra-violet (UV) and infra-red rays.

The UV and infra-red rays cause a variety of photochemical reactions in heritage materials, which can continue to damage the item even after it has been removed from the presence of the rays, so it is vital to take procedures to minimise exposure in the first place.

Infra-red rays have a heating effect on objects and can cause expansion and associated stresses on items. When infra-red rays are present in conjunction with UV rays they accelerate the destructive effects of the UV rays.

UV rays are particularly damaging to paper and textile materials. They may cause chemical changes in paper and textiles that lead to irreparable fading and discolouration.

You can use an Single Lens Reflex Camera (a camera with a built in light meter) to measure the light levels in display spaces. Optimal light levels for displays are up to 50 lux for textiles, paper, ethnographic material and photographs and up to 200 lux for oil paintings, leather and bone.

Activities to protect your collection from exposure to damaging UV rays and Infra Red Rays

Always store items in a dark room
Keep objects out of direct sunlight
Reduce daylight by the use of curtains, blinds and awnings
Apply UV film to windows
Install low ultra-violet emitting fluorescent tubes
Fit UV inhibiting sleeves over fluorescent tubes
Instal timed light sensors that operate only when a display is being viewed
Avoid high powered spotlights
Purchase archival quality boxes and acid-free tissue wrap to store items
‘Rest’ display items by allowing ‘dark time’
Rotate display materials
Turn pages in books on display

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Humidity can damage your collection

Relative Humidity (RH) is the measure of actual water vapour contained in the air at a certain temperature compared with the amount of water the air is able to hold at that temperature. Warm air holds more water than cold air.

Human sensory systems can feel extremes of humidity, but they are not accurate measurers of environmental conditions. A whirling hygrometer is a cost-effective instrument that measures both temperature and RH. RH indicator cards can be used to monitor RH within display cases.

The materials from which heritage materials are made all react differently to relative humidity levels and fluctuations. For Australian conditions, the recommended RH is 50%; the maximum fluctuation should be no more than 5% (that is, a maximum permissible range of 47.5). Substantial and/or rapid changes in RH and temperature can cause severe damage to collections. These may be caused by local weather conditions, the installation or breakdown of air-conditioning or heating systems, or the transportation of objects from one climatic region to another.

Deterioration caused by extremes, and rapid changes, in RH can include size and shape irregularities in items made of paper, textiles, photographs and wood. These items can absorb moisture and expand in high humidity environments and contract in low humidity when moisture is lost. Extremes and parid changes in RH can also cause adverse chemical reactions such as metal corrosion and textile and paper deterioration.

Biological infestation such as pest invasion and mould growth is encouraged by high levels of RH.

Activities to prevent extremes and fluctuations in RH

Clear blocked drains
Damp-proof susceptible walls and foundations
Do not store or display objects against external walls
Select internal rooms and other areas with stable RH for display areas
Use cotton waste, shreds of acid-free paper or maybe silica gel to regulate humidity levels in display cases
Frame art works appropriately - mounts and frames can help to buffer rapid changes
Store flat objects in Mylar sleeves within archival boxes
Wrap objects in acid-free tissue
Do not store items in unidentified plastics - this could encourage mould growth and trap contaminants. Conservation-quality polyester bags such as Mylar and Melinex should be used to store heritage materials.
Consider environmental control mechanisms such as air conditioning, central heating, insulation and dehumidification
Consult a conservator, and measure and monitor environmental conditions, before you take any action. Check the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials website for a list of conservators working in your area.

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Variations in temperature can adversely affect your collection

Temperature is a measure of heat, and all materials respond to changes in heat. Heritage collection staff need to be aware of the potential impact of extremes of, and fluctuations in, temperature on items. When temperature increases materials expand and the rate of deterioration can accelerate. In extreme circumstances moisture will evaporate causing cracking and warping. Increases in temperature creates a friendly environment for mould growth and pests. When temperature decreases materials will contract, the rate of deterioration slows and the environment becomes unfavourable to pests and moulds.

The most important aspect of temperature control is to maintain a constant temperature of between 18C-22C in storage and display areas.

Rapid changes in temperature accelerate the expansion and contraction of objects. These temperature fluctuations can cause harmful internal tensions that result in serious damage.

Temperature can be easily measured with a thermometer. Regular readings need to be made in all areas of the building to identify problem areas. Temperature in specific areas can be influenced by the position of windows, doors and skylights, the local weather, lighting and the location of office machinery such as photocopiers.

Activities to reduce damage due to temperature fluctuations

Use weather seals to seal around doors and windows

Keep windows and doors shut

Keep curtains closed when the building is not open, and at all other possible times

Fit window awnings

Consider the choice of paint colour for external walls: if appropriate, choose a dark coloured paint that will absorb heat or a dark coloured paint that will reflect heat

Avoid using attics and basements for storage whenever possible

Ideally use internal rooms (which are less liable to extremes and fluctuations in temperature) for storage and display

Fit insulation in ceilings and walls to assist in maintaining a constant temperature

Install air conditioning and heaters to reduce fluctuations in temperature

Fans can be used to decrease temperature, but may disturb open exhibits of paper and textiles

Wrapping and boxing items in storage will help insulate against temperature fluctuations

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Moulds

Moulds such as dry rot can damage and stain wooden exhibits, in addition to staining and weakening paper and textile materials. Some moulds can destroy photographs.

Activities to protect your collection from moulds

Maintain RH at 47.5% - 52.5%
Do not store materials in a damp environment
Wrap items at risk from dampness in acid free tissue and store in acid free boxes
Ventilate storage areas
Cover stored items with calico sheets
Dust items regularly
Monitor display case humidity and reduce where necessary
Conduct regular building maintenance checks and fix leaks and broken pipes
Examine wrapping material for clues about the type and length of time of the infestation.
Quarantine affected items if a mould outbreak is detected and isolate and destroy all wrapping material
Check surrounding areas and similar objects to determine the extent of the outbreak
Consult a conservator before attempting fumigation or cleaning fragile objects

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Insects and Vermin

Insects and Vermin can cause severe damage to collections and can be particularly difficult to control. Toxic treatments are often unfriendly to both people and the collection. Insect pests such as silverfish, borers and beetles attack a variety of heritage items including plant and animal materials such as wood, paper, textiles, wool, fur and feathers. Mice and rats cause damage by gnawing and staining whilst their nests attract insects.

Activities to protect your collection collection from insects and vermin

Isolate and examine newly acquired material for signs of infestation
Identify the pest causing the problem – a sticky pheromone strip will attract and trap insects
Isolate, bag and remove infested material from storage and exhibition areas
Maintain a constant temperature throughout the building
Wrap and pack items to prevent infestation
Seal around external doors, windows and vents
Prevent birds and other animals nesting in the building by blocking entry points
Vacuum the building regularly to remove insects and their eggs and material that provides breeding space
Ventilate the building
Consult a conservator and an exterminator before fumigating
Remove vegetation from around the external walls
Beware of pests carried into the building in fresh flowers, vegetation and pot plants
Fill cracks and crevices in walls and floors
Restrict foodstuffs to designated food areas
Freezing may kill some insects infesting paper, books and natural history exhibits, bag, seal and label items before freezing
Use insect growth regulators that inhibit aspects of normal insect growth

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Dust and Pollutants

A variety of air-borne pollutants also pose risks to museum exhibits. Salt winds, cement dust from construction sites, gas emissions from display cases, industrial fumes and dust containing human hair and skin particles must all be managed to prevent harm to the collection.

Activities to protect your collection from dust and pollutants

Seal around doors, windows and vents
When handling fragile items wear thin white cotton gloves to protect the items from naturally-occurring oils in human skin
Provide a door mat to reduce tracked-in particles
Keep windows and doors closed during times of greatest risk, eg. high winds
Install double entrance doors
Dissipate fumes from construction and decorating materials (such as paint) before using areas for storage or display
Use display cases for fragile and vulnerable items such as natural history specimens, artworks, basketry and textiles
Store fragile and vulnerable items that are susceptible to abrasion or difficult and fragile to clean, in archival quality boxes, sleeves and acid free tissue
Cover large and irregularly-shaped objects with calico dustsheets
Frame art exhibits, using archival materials
Conduct regular maintenance of air conditioning system

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Sticky tape, glue, pins, ink, pens and tacks should be used and stored away from collection areas to prevent accidental damage. Only allow staff and clients to use pencils when they are working with items from the collection.

Conservation Supplies

If your building needs preservation treatments consult the State Library of Tasmania library catalogue for resources with the subject of historic preservation . A list of conservators and their specialisations is available at the Australian Institute for Conservation of Cultural Materials Inc web site. (The site is best viewed with Internet Explorer)

Materials
Calico dustsheets are ideal for protecting display cases and large irregular objects from light and dust. Calico can be purchased for around $2 a metre from your local craft supplier.

Cotton gloves can be purchased cheaply at supermarkets and photographic and discount stores.

Oven bags or conservation quality papers can be used for wrapping or interleaving stored documents and photographs.

Conservation quality paper or acid free tissue can also be purchased for approximately $5.00 for 10 sheets. An archival supplier will be able to advise you of the cost. They are usually no more expensive than non-archival products. One hundred polypropylene bags can be purchased for about $5.00. (as at October 2001)

Paper items can be stored using pockets and sleeves made from polyester (also known as Mylar or Melinex) in acid-free boxes.

Tasmania
Simon A Campo (or Philcam)
57 Invermay Road,
INVERESK TAS 7248
Tel 03 63347775
Fax 03 6334 4450
Email: acampo@vision.net.au

Victoria
Zetta Florence (Company name)
PO Box 109
FITZROY VIC 3065
Tel. 1800 247 999
Fax 03 9416 3623
Website: Zetta Florence
This site also contains advice on storage procedures

Queensland Conservation Resources International
PO Box 6184
FAIRFIELD GARDENS QLD 4103
Tel. 07 3848 0199
Fax 07 3848 5503
Website: Conservation Resources International

South Australia
Albox Storage Solutions
56 North Terrace
KENT TOWN SA 5067
Tel. 08 8362 4811
Fax 08 8362 4066
Email: albox@albox.com.au
Website:Albow Storage Solutions
This site also contains advice on storage procedures, including an article on ten enemies of your photographs and how to beat them. Select this link from the home page of the site at http://www.albox.com.au/

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Professional conservators in Tasmania

If your building needs preservation treatments consult your library catalogue for resources with the subject of historic preservation. A list of conservators and their specialisations is available at the Australian Institute for Conservation of Cultural Materials Inc web site. (The site is best viewed with Internet Explorer.

Professional conservators in Tasmania will help you with collection conservation and preservation advise. They can be found at the Archives Office of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

The Archives Office in Tasmania	Archives Office of Tasmania 77 Murray Street Hobart Tasmania Email: Archives.Tasmania@education.tas.gov.au Phone: (03) 6233 7488 or (03) 6233 7490 Fax: (03) 6233 7471 Website: http://www.archives.tas.gov.au/
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery	40 Macquarie Street Hobart Tasmania Postal address GPO Box 1164M Hobart Tasmania 7001 Email: tmagmail@tmag.tas.gov.au Phone (03) 6211 4177 Fax (03) 6211 4112 Website: http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery	Wellington Street Launceston Tasmania Phone: (03) 6323 3777 Fax: (03) 6323 3776 Email:enquiries@qvmag.tas.gov.au Website: http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/aboutus.html
State Library Of Tasmania	Local History Consultant 3rd Floor State Library Building 91 Murray Street Hobart Phone 03 623 7503 Email: eheritage@education.tas.gov.au Website:http://www.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/eheritage/

More Online Conservation Advice

The National Archives of Australia	National Archives has a range of useful conservation advice that covers specific formats, such as photographs, maps and plans, archives and objects. The site also advises on related topics including paper qualities, archival packaging materials and pest management.
Australian Museums Online	The Museums Online site includes general conservation information regarding handling, storage and preservation of heritage materials.
The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material	This site gives guidance on commissioning conservation work and a list of Australian conservators, including conservators working in Tasmania.
The American Library Association	The American Library Association provides guidelines for the preservation, conservation and restoration of local heritage materials.
CoOL	This site provides conservation information, including specific formats and ideas for the treatment of mould and other pests.
The National Library of Australia	The National Library site provides advice on the storage and handling of heritage materials including the preservation of digital material. (This subject is further explored by the Preserving Access to Digital Information.)
The State Library of Victoria	This site provides practical information on conserving heritage collections in addition to a range of links to other conservation sites.
The British Museum	Examples of conservation are given which illustrate the activities that conservators are engaged in during conservation of objects.

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