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Dear Konstantinos,
This sounds like an interesting problem.
My firm does not identify specific types of mold and other fungi, but, on the chance that the white accretion is not or is not entirely fungi, I would be pleased to examine the chemical composition of the material(s) using FTIR and Raman microscopy for you and the group.
If you send a sample, please contain it between well depression slides and enclose the depression slide container in a clear plastic "zip-lock" bag so the sample is clearly visible to U.S. Customs agents. Please see "Containing samples for shipment" at www.orionanalytical.com/requestingservices.html and include a "Request for Materials Analysis" with the sample. All the best,
Jamie
James Martin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Orion Analytical, LLC - A Materials Analysis and Consulting Firm office/mobile: 413-458-0233 fax: 413-458-0234
Please call Orion if email sent to this address is rejected or otherwise returned as undeliverable. Orion utilizes Symantec® Brightmail Anti-Spam™ software, which, from time to time, rejects legitimate email correspondence. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Feb 21, 2009, at 4:48 AM, K Hatziantoniou wrote: Dear Mrs Ballard
Checked the spots under microscope and got some photographs. In some of the spots, around the white centre there is a larger spread black area as a ring. Before sending them i will need permission. Overall the spots look like snowflakes.
I scraped some samples and place them in deionised water: they do not dissolve. While scraping them some 'dust' came up but they were relatively solid. pH of water was 5, with samples in became 6.
They were on a acid free beige, corrugated type, box. Holes were only at the top to assemble the flat board into a box as usual. The box was stored (for the past year approximately) in open selves along with other boxes. I do not have information on the previous hsitory of storage as this is the first time I see these costumes myself. They should be in this country for no less than 7 years approximately. Not sure if they were treated, although they are not with soiling from the gorund thus they were wet treated after excavation and before bought by the museum.
Note: one of them was in a metalic chest plant, in a drawer next to other costumes which do not have any sign of mould spots.
I will examine them under UV light in couple of days. Sample will be send for analysis to identify the type of mould. The colour on the areas with spots have changed (enzyme deposited there probably) and ethyl alcohol does not cause dye bleeding. Freezing is a possibility but not in a conservation standard freezer.
Thank you for your help
Konstantinos
MIA
Qatar
Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:08:18 -0500
From: BallardM@xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Mould infestation on excavated ancient costumes
To: TEXCONS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Konstantinos: You have looked at the white spots under the microscope? Can you scrap a few off and see if they dissolve in water? Have a pH? What kind of a box? Where was the box stored? Send us a photo? Mary Mary W. Ballard Senior Textiles Conservator, Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland MD 20746 U.S.A. tel: 301-238-1210 fax: 301-238-3709
Dear all
I found extensive mould infestation (white spots covering the whole robes including the linings) on costumes whihc are folded in layers and placed for years in the same box. I have nevere seen these costumes before as this is the first time I opened the box for survey of the textiles. The alarming incident needs direct attention. Except from surface cleaning, can anyone suggest imediate measurements and if possible materials that could help on this? Storage conditions are stable but the collection has been moving around for several years. Since excavation it is known to me of any treatment for possible mould attack on these pieces from previous owners/conservators.
The costumes are all silk with metal threads.
Thank you for your time and help
Konstantinos Chatziantoniou
Museum of Islamic Art
Doha
Qatar
tel:+9746980254
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