Oak tree in exhibit

Tanja Reed <tanja.reed [at] aust-agder__museum__no> writes

>I am trying to gather good arguments to use in a discussion
>regarding oak in exhibitions. The curator at my museum would very
>much like to put a whole oak tree into an exhibit and is convinced
>that the information I give him regarding use of oak in showcases,
>etc. can not be transferred to this type of use of oak. He might be
>right, but I would like to be sure.

After pest problems have been addressed, there remains a moisture
problem, because a freshly cut tree is full of water.  The amount of
humidity supplied to the exhibition space will depend on the size of
the tree.  I believe the acidity of oak (and other wood) has been
accepted in open exhibition spaces where there is air exchange,
though not in enclosed spaces.  I am not aware of hazards in
displaying oak furniture and picture frames, or of the continuing
use of oak for flooring, etc.

Hugh Glover
Williamstown.  Mass


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:50
                 Distributed: Tuesday, January 20, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-50-010
                                  ***