Database of preventive conservation products

The Centre de conservation du Quebec (CCQ) is pleased to introduce
"Preserv'Art", an interactive database on products and equipment
used in preventive conservation.  It was launched in July 2004.

"Preserv'Art" is practical and user-friendly, providing information
on products and equipment used for the protection of artifacts and
works of art during transit, exhibit or storage. This database
provides detailed information on the physical and chemical
characteristics of the materials as well as their uses, a list of
manufacturers /suppliers, a bibliography and a photograph of the
listed products.

"Preserv'Art" users also have access to a glossary of technical
terms used in the files and to "Generic Text" files on the main
product categories used in preventive conservation, such as
Textiles, Papers, Cardboards, etc.

This project was started in 2001, using resources and time allotted
by the Centre de conservation du Quebec with the added financial
support of the Department of Canadian Heritage of the Canadian
Government.  It benefited from the practical input of over fifteen
conservators and conservation scientists of different specialties,
working in countries such as Canada, the United States, and France.

This large scale project enables information on the materials and
equipment used in preventive conservation to become widely
available. The database is intended for those involved in collection
care, such as curators, archivists, conservators, teachers,
students, museum technicians, artists, private collectors, as well
as anyone interested in getting information on products and their
use.

This database is interactive and in perpetual development.  Its
content will be regularly updated and improved by the Centre, thanks
to the participation of its users and contributors. These
contributions are verified by the editors of the database before
being included on the website.  The Centre de conservation also
hopes to expand the database by collaborating with institutions from
other countries.

In June 2005, the CCQ was awarded the Award for Outstanding
Achievement by the Canadian Museum Association, in recognition of
the contribution of "Preserv'Art" in the category Conservation.

"Preserv'Art" is accessible via the Centre de conservation website
at <URL:http://www.ccq.mcc.gouv.qc.ca> and is available in English
and French.  To choose the English version, click on the right hand
corner of the blue menu bar.  Then choose "Preserv'Art" from the
list in the left hand margin.  Please browse through the database
and send us your comments.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Please forward comments or questions to:

    Michele Lepage
    Conservator
    Sculpture Lab
    Centre de conservation du Quebec
    1825 Semple
    Quebec (Que)
    Canada G1N 4B7
    michele.lepage [at] mcc__gouv__qc__ca
    418-643-7001 ext. 256
    Fax: 418-646-5419


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:35
                 Distributed: Monday, February 6, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-35-008
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