Rational Insanity
Antiques
In my years of working for our local museum I have come to appreciate the various pieces of the past that our ancestors have left us. I appreciate these, not for the monetary value that these are usually equated with, but for the stories that each individual piece tells. There is so much one can learn simply by looking at these little pieces. For instance, just by looking at an old typewriter we realize the agony that writers had to go through when there was yet no computer, considering the weight of primitive typewriters and the strength you needed to push its keys; and there is the 1920's camera – some photographers even risked burning their faces just to attempt to lock memories and time on a piece of film.
I am no antique expert, and I cannot tell you the specifics of each antique piece. I cannot tell the specific year a bowl was made simply by looking at its glaze. As most artists would put it, I only have the passion for things and a commitment to preserve the past for future generations. I believe that this is all we actually need to be active and dynamic stewards of history.
In our local museum there is a wealth of stories our artifacts could tell. Stories are about the very ancient to the pre-modern era. There are, however a few basics that some of us should learn when preserving antiques. This week, let me share with you a few tips on preserving antiques so that they last for a very long time – time enough for our future generations to read from them the stories of our past.
A specific temperature is required for the preservation of certain antiques. The rule of thumb however, is to closely duplicate the temperature during the period when a particular piece existed, as well as the temperature in the region where the item was found. This is so because antiques are more often than not, very frail, so once a change of temperature is introduced, the antique will deteriorate rapidly. Based on this, it is not always true that antiques should always be in refrigerated or cold areas. While it is true that a low temperature can preserve artifacts, not all materials last well in the cold.
Humidity is the number one enemy of antiques. Water that condenses on the surface of antiques can dry up to become water stains or seep into the layers of more porous items and initiate decay, therefore, more than just having an air-conditioning unit in our display areas, we also need humidifiers. Humidity also causes oxidation especially in metals. This is also the reason why some antiques like earthenware and pottery should not be placed in encased areas like sealed glass cabinets because humidity levels rise rapidly in such encasements.
When displaying the clothes of a prominent person, it is best to use a headless mannequin. The reason for this is that we do not want to draw attention to the mannequin, but to the item of clothing that the mannequin is wearing. As with fabrics, it is best if these are chemically treated before display to preserve them fully.
Sweat contains very corrosive chemicals and so we should always prevent viewers from touching our exhibits. Coins easily abrade even with just the touch of a finger. Paintings can be damaged with the slightest touch. Sensitive ceramics can discolor with repetitive handling. If we really need to touch our artifacts, it is best that we wear surgical gloves.
Paper, to include important documents, photographs, stamps, etc. should be displayed in acid free sleeves. Acid causes the paper to discolor and eventually rot. Most papers we use today contain bleach and lye. If we display artifacts made of paper, we should make sure that we don't keep them alongside modern paper.
Light can spoil paintings and other artifacts. It is best to use indirect, mild, yellow, heat-free lighting on paintings. In the same manner, camera flashes should also be avoided in museums because these could damage certain artifacts.
There you have it folks, I hope I had enlightened some of you, antique aficionados out there!
Be rational; be insane…every once in a while! TTFN!
I love you all! Byers!