Can you handle it? Object Lessons

On Friday I attended an Object Handling Masterclass with curator Natalie Rigby of Falmouth Art Gallery.

Condition checking

Objects on loan should be checked when arriving and when leaving the museum to ensure damage does not occur or has not occurred whilst in transit or during display at the museum. A condition report should be filled out for each item. You can mostly do this by using your eyes.

Agents of decay include:

• temperature
• humidity
• atmospheric pollutants
• visible light
• UV light
• insects & pests
• people
• inherent weakness

87% of damage to museum object is as a result of human error.

It's a good idea to look first and make notes before checking any previous report in case you spot something they didn't. It's also best for two people to examine if possible to make sure you do a thorough job. Forms should be completed pencil and depending if you're looking at paper, canvas or other objects you'll be keeping an eye out for different elements and agents of damage and decay. Important note when examining paintings: don't forget the frame!

Handling objects

Next up it was time for a bit of handling as we logged details of a heavy sculpture (see below). I was nominated handler and had to carefully lift the object so my fellow course members could read the label underneath. You should handle only if it is needed, using your eyes first and always wear gloves.

Packing objects 

Our final tasks involved wrapping a frame; a textile cap and the sculpture above using acid free tissue paper. We were taught to wear gloves, to make paper puffs from individual sheets and to protect the most vulnerable parts of the objects. Anything included with the items (eg. a price tag on the cap) needed to be stored with it and we were taught to tie a slip knot for easy packing and unpacking of pictures.

Finally we were asked to pack an egg in a box using paper puffs and throw it off the balcony at the gallery - I am proud to say mine was one of three that survived intact!

Interesting links:

TIME magazine - Top ten art accidents

Restoration of Chinese vases broken at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge