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Insects require oxygen to breathe. You
might want to consider a vitrine filled with Argon gas as they have at the
National Archives for the Declaration of Independence, or CO2 or Nitrogen…positive
low-pressure cases are a viable alternative and sold by various firms now. Mary W. Ballard Senior Textiles Conservator, Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian
Institution tel: 301-238-1210 fax: 301-238-3709 email ballardm@xxxxxx From: Textile
Conservators [mailto:TEXCONS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Mary Montgomery The Museum of History & Industry has a wool-containing
flag that was recently attacked by dermestids while on exhibit. The flag,
mounted on cotton on a plex panel, had been set down into a large, flat,
rectangular case made from painted wood. The top of the case was a Plexiglas
panel that was screwed down on the edges. Visitors could view the flag by
opening an additional lid that protected the flag from light, but also provided
a good place for the insects. While the infestation has been taken care of, we are now
trying to determine a different exhibit case design that would better protect
the flag. Has anyone on the list had experience using gaskets in the closure of
exhibit cases for textiles? Any suggestions on gaskets or other
protective devices are welcome. Thanks, Mary Montgomery Mary E. Montgomery Curator/Librarian Museum of History & Industry web: www.seattlehistory.org direct phone: 206-324-1685 x38 fax: 206-324-1346 |