Preserving bricks

I have a brick in my own collection of oddments which was removed
from a building and sold in aid of charity in the late 70s. The
brick (226 mm x 64 mm x 105 mm) is possibly victorian, certainly no
later than 1920 and is starting to crumble badly. There is a small
amount of mortar on the brick, although the material which has
separated appears not to be this.

I am a paper conservator, so I can cope with the presentation
wrapper, but I have no idea about the correct procedure for a brick.
If anyone can give me their thoughts on consolidation and the
appropriate environmental conditions for storage, I would appreciate
it.

Oh yes, In case you are wondering the brick is from 221b Baker
Street. Regards, and thanks in advance,

Jonathan Farley

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:70
                Distributed: Thursday, February 6, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-70-008
                                  ***