Most collecting institutions have some space for exhibiting their collections as part of a teaching mission, a sharing with the public, or a combination of these and other factors. It is in the preparation for installation, during the installation process, and while on exhibit that objects are exposed to a greater risk of damage than when they are safely housed in storage. Several factors should be taken into consideration when planning your exhibits.
Environmental Controls
A stable temperature and relative humidity are critical to most artifacts. The safest environment is ventilated with a supply of filtered air that is kept at steady temperature and humidity levels. In addition to ushering in the weather from outside, open doors and windows also expose artifacts to pollutants and contaminants that will accelerate the aging process. Creating a microclimate using silica gel and an enclosed exhibit case, shadow box, frame or vitrine is a convenient and effective way to control the environment of your artifacts. Remember to take regular readings with a thermohygrometer or humidity indicator card to ensure that levels stay steady in whatever environment you decide to use for your exhibits. View our entire selection of environmental control supplies.
Light
Unfiltered light contains damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays that can eventually cause discoloration, drying and cracking of your artifacts. It is important to keep light levels low and filtered to guard against any irreparable damage. A light meter will help you adjust the lighting to within the recommended five to 15 foot candle range. Remember to use UV screening filters over fluorescent lights and UV filtering film over windows. Blue scales placed in cases and near objects will tell you the degree of fading over time. Objects of vulnerability should be allowed to rest after they’ve been on display for a period of time. If possible, lights should be turned off completely when no one is in the exhibit gallery. View our entire selection of light monitors and filters.
Security
When exhibits are open for viewing, large institutions have security guards stationed throughout their galleries to protect artifacts on display. Smaller organizations however, rely on less costly security measures ranging from cameras and volunteers to locked cases and the honor system. Security screws and straps that attach to frames and case tops are an inexpensive, dependable method of deterrence. Discreet, object motion alarms that emit a high-pitched sound when a case or frame is jarred are also excellent tools for deterring tampering and theft. View our selection of security tools and supplies.
Movement and Handling
The simplistic act of transporting an artifact from storage to an exhibit gallery can result in damage. Train all of your exhibit installation personnel in appropriate handling techniques. Always plan a movement before you make it. Objects should be held with two steady hands at all times. Larger artifacts will require at least two people to carry them and another person to clear a path and open any doors. Use proper installation materials such as strong wire or cable to support framed work and pedestals wide and sturdy enough to support artifacts. View our selection of installation tools.
For Further Reading
Balloffet, Nelly and Hille, Jenny. Preservation and Conservation for Libraries and Archives. American Library Association: Chicago, 2005. See Section Six, Chapter One, “Designing the Exhibition with Conservation in Mind.”
Glaser, Mary Todd. “Protecting Paper and Book Collections During Exhibition”. c 2007 Northeast Document Conservation Center.
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