Fragrances in exhibition spaces

Jitka Kyrian <jitka.kyrian [at] gmx__de> writes

>The State Museum of Ethnology Munich is thinking about methods of
>improvement of the air quality in exhibition rooms and considering
>the possibility of vaporisation of fragrances (we do not have an air
>conditioning system).
>
>Does anybody have experiences with this issue especially regarding
>aspects of conservation? ...

My understanding of such fragrances is that they are often scented
oils that are vaporized using heat. The oils in the air can condense
on objects again. Over time these could build up a sticky layer on
surfaces, attract dirt, and undergo chemical reactions. It would be
preferable to not use scents and fragrances to try and mask other
smells. It would be better to try and remove the unwanted smells (it
would avoid harm to objects with scent oils and it would remove the
other pollutants). Activated charcoal will absorb odour molecules,
and will reduce pollution levels in exhibition spaces as well. This
may be a better option.

I have visited exhibitions where the use of scents were used to
create an ambience and add an extra dimension to a display (eg the
scent of apples by an apple press). This was interesting, but I
found for the longer term displays, the smells tended to get a
little rancid and overpowering (that is my personal opinion). Unless
the scent is intended to be a part of the exhibition, then I would
not recommend the use of scents around objects.

Valerie Tomlinson
Conservator
Auckland Museum
Tamaki Paenga Hira
The Domain
Private Bag 92018
Auckland 1142, New Zealand
+64 9 306 7068


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:3
                   Distributed: Sunday, June 19, 2011
                        Message Id: cdl-25-3-002
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