Protecting paintings

Our library is beginning a major renovation that will last 3-4
years. We have a dozen very large paintings of university presidents
(the largest is at least 5 feet x 6 feet  with plaster frame) that
we will be storing in wooden boxes with masonite sides. The boxed
paintings will be stored in our new warehouse-like annex with
concrete floor and insulated metal walls. The annex is also housing
our book and journal collections on compact shelving. The climate
control is geothermal and seems fairly stable. This is currently the
largest geothermally controlled structure in Illinois.  Our main
concern is how to protect the paintings from insects and vermin
(rodents) while being stored. Should we try to dust them before
packing, and what should we use for dusting?

Barbara Summers
Head of Preservation
Morris Library
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-2171


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:18
                  Distributed: Friday, October 7, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-18-003
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