Case for large panel painting

I am currently working on the design for a sealed packing case which
will double as a display case for an early 15th century panel
painting.  The criteria for this case are as follows:  Needs to be
light weight as the panel is very large and extremely heavy.  Needs
to be strong enough to withstand transportation by crane to another
part of the large building, where it will be displayed as part of a
special collection.  This collection is rarely viewed, and when it
is, only by specialists.

The casing ideally needs to have a transparent front.  The panel
will need adequate cushioning and support within the case to allow
for absorption of vibrations during travel and any dimensional
changes which may take place as a result of fluctuations in
temperature and RH.  The relative humidity in its future location is
likely to be hugely variable, and the area is known to be
particularly hot in summer.  Recent RH readings in its current
location have been between 58% and 67%, although this will likely
change in its new location.  At present the panel is stored on its
side with no protective covering, and one of the planks appears to
have slipped, leaving a reasonably large gap.  The planks are joined
with their original dowels and do not appear to be very secure.

In its future location, the owners wish to store it upright.  If
anyone has any ideas as to suitable materials for the case, any
methods for assessing whether the panel can endure movement to an
upright position, buffering solutions and sealing requirements, I
would greatly appreciate your views.  It is worth noting that we
have the work force and skills available to build such a case,
although limited finances require our solutions to be reasonably
cheap.

Sally Taor
Student
The Courtauld Institute of Art,
Department of Conservation of Easel Paintings

London


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:11
                 Distributed: Thursday, August 12, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-11-032
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