Underground display case

Karin Abelskamp <k.abelskamp<-a t->archeologie< . >nl> writes

>We are investigating the possibilities for putting an archaeological
>find outdoors in an underground display case.  I have seen stone
>structures like walls in outside display cases and others inside a
>building, but in our case, the object is a wooden well. ...
>...
>Many questions rise; which materials can be used to make the display
>case?  Concrete might be very heavy, could certain plastics be used?
>What about the cover?  What protection is needed for changing
>temperatures, especially when the sun is shining directly at the
>case?  Should it be partially/completely air tight or maybe even
>vacuum?  Should the wood be strengthened to withstand these
>circumstances?  What should we use for this?

This is a very challenging project.  I can see from the scope and
content of Ms Abelskamp's questions that some guidance in the world
of museum display and microclimates is needed.  I strongly suggest
that she locate an experienced professional--an expert from a
government agency, a museum planner or designer, or a showcase
manufacturer.  They will be better able to explain some of the
details that must be considered.

If she has seen installations that could be a model, they should be
contacted or used as a starting point.  It should not be necessary
to start from a tabula rasa--similar challenges have almost
certainly been solved by others, and they will likely be very happy
to share their experiences.

Most importantly, the writer is making a cardinal error by starting
this project as if all possibilities are available, This will not
make the task easier.  The budget will be the main driver of this
project, far exceeding in importance any technical or aesthetic
solutions that experts or technicians may bring to it.  While
anything is possible with an appropriate budget, in most situations
the budget will function to limit, not present possibilities.

I strongly suggest the writer start with a budget to help set the
target and acknowledge the project's limits, find suitable examples
to follow, locate and use a guide with appropriate expertise, and
proceed from there.

Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Microclimate Systems
Serving both legitimate and underground display environments since
    1995


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 28:1
                   Distributed: Friday, June 6, 2014
                        Message Id: cdl-28-1-005
                                  ***