Collection Care

Using a paint brush to clean the objects on display
Photo Courtesy of {Sarah Sutton}

This week I took a step back from writing the Pharmaceutical Collection Policy to help out with some collection care work. I worked on three main projects this week, and also read some literature on proper techniques for handling glassware. First, Stephanie and I cleaned the artifacts on display in the museum. This was a delicate procedure, because many of the objects on display are books, posters, glassware, or small machinery; and many of those things are mounted to the wall or display table. In order to properly clean the objects on display, Stephanie and I used Swiffer cleaning cloths, cotton cloths, and paints brushes. Collections Mangers often use soft-bristle paint brushes of all sizes to delicately brush the dust off objects. Because of the fragile nature of the objects in the CHF Museum, we did not use any cleaning products, soap, or water. Lightly cleaning the objects on display keeps the museum looking fresh and keeps the objects in good condition.

An object report next to some of the scientific glassware getting prepped for installation
Photo Courtesy of {Sarah Sutton}

Here, I am briefly moving some glassware to trim the Mylar sheets under the objects
Photo Courtesy of {Sarah Sutton} 

After cleaning the objects on display, I helped the Registrar, Gillian, prepare for the installation of her new scientific glassware exhibit. The first step was to pull the objects from storage, and bring them down to the exhibition workroom. In this workroom, we were able to go through the process of prepping for installation, cleaning, and then finally installing the glassware in the exhibition space. The first step in the installation prep is to photograph each object, and write condition reports for the objects. Condition reports should be completed when an object is put on display, taken off display, sent out as a loan, and when an object is an incoming loan. Condition reports are an important way to keep the collection organized. It is also a best practice when accepting a loan. This week Gillian and I completed over forty condition reports! The next step is to clean the dusty objects from storage, and cut Mylar, which will be placed between the object and the base of the exhibition space. The Mylar sheets protect both the objects from the base, and the exhibition space from the objects.

The final product! A new glassware exhibit!
Photo Courtesy of {Sarah Sutton}

Glassware is tricky to move, install and clean. Although glass seems durable, once glassware is accessioned and becomes a museum object ,it must be handled in a delicate way. Glass can be easily scratched or broken, and it can also easily scratch and bend mounts and exhibit spaces. Glass should be inspected for any residue or leaks before handling, because there may be liquids or debris which can make the glass slippery and difficult to handle. Glass should not be stacked, and it should be moved one object at a time, with plenty of support and foam insulation. Some basic handling guidelines include: removing any jewelry, loose clothing, or ID tags prior to handling an object, using support boards or boxes while moving (this include padding and foam supports), having a second person stand by and move with you as a spotter, and never dragging or shifting an object along a surface of any kind. These guidelines prevent snagging or damage to museum artifacts. Helping with the installation of a new exhibit was a fun experience which taught me the importance of documentation, and proper handling techniques. I now feel confident enough to work with the smaller, and possibly more hazardous, glassware in the Pharmaceutical Collection.

Glassware on display in the "Niches" exhibition space
Photo Courtesy of {Sarah Sutton}