Re: Refrigerated Storage

[Jerry Shiner <keepsafe@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Beatrice,

Tom Strang and I discussed cold storage in passing once. I shared with him 
my suspicion that the two driving purposes behind the development of 
commercial cold fur-storage vaults were:
1. to control insect infestations (not only by temperature- mass chemical 
treatments of entire vaults were common many years ago), and
2. to help merchandise other services (primarily fur cleaning,  repair, and 
remodelling). As I remember, he didn't object, and added some accurate 
information about exactly when the first cold storage for garments was 
started.

My family operated some very large fur storage vaults, and were called in 
for advice and help when a vault "had some trouble" (translation: disaster 
management). I can tell you from my experience, the vaults I visited were 
not run by conservators or scientists. They were seldom properly 
maintained. However, even our own modern and well-designed cold storage 
vaults demanded constant monitoring and maintenance.

Does cold storage work? I can't even provide a certain answer for furs. The 
turn of the century advertising campaigns to sell the new, modern way of 
storing furs became "common knowledge" by my father's generation. Besides, 
the public was sold, and the furs kept coming in. I've never heard of a 
proper experiment that compared cold fur storage to temperate fur storage. 
Common sense says it will have some beneficial effect, but how much more 
effective is it than simple RH control at moderate room temperature, IF it 
is more effective. And is it worth the cost?

The certain advantages of cold storage remain: insect and vermin 
infestations are slowed, if not controlled, RH and temperature can be 
maintained and monitored (with attendant costs in capital investment. 
labour, and maintenance),  security is easier to maintain, and cold storage 
rooms can be a welcome place to work in the hot humid summer (I spent many 
summers hanging and hauling fur coats, I lost seven weeks once to 
pneumonia, too.). Are they necessary? I think the answer (as usual) depends 
on the objects to be stored, and how much money you can commit to 
maintaining these objects.

I'm looking forward to hearing more comments about this.

js
Jerry Shiner
Object & Textile Conservation Services Ltd.   O/A
Keepsafe Systems & Forever Yours Gown Bridal Preservation
Visit www.gowncare.com