A major concern of all museum staff is protecting the collection from the detrimental effects of the environment. Much attention has been paid to controlling temperature, relative humidity and light levels. Equally important is the need to ensure that artefacts are given adequate physical protection through safe handling procedures.
Proper handling is essential for preservation of museum artefacts. It reduces the likelihood of physical damage to the artefact being moved. Once a textile is torn or a pot is broken, the damage is permanent. Such loss is avoidable and unnecessary. Establishing and implementing handling procedures in a museum promotes professionalism in the staff. The benefits include greater safety for the collection, staff pride and an enhanced reputation for the museum.
Every museum should have a set of handling procedures that is taught to all staff members as soon as they begin work. An orientation and training programme will alert paid staff, volunteers and board members of the dangers of thoughtless handling. Supervision will be required until new staff are experienced enough to manage artefacts safely on their own.
Once training is completed, it is important to foster ongoing good artefact handling. People in positions of authority should serve as role models. Refresher courses and periodic evaluations are recommended.
Museum artefacts require a special kind of care and respect. The following list serves as a guide to assist with safe handling practices, but in the long run, each artefact presents an individual challenge. Before handling a museum artefact, you must evaluate its special needs. By combining common sense and the following rules, you may determine the best solution to each case.
Unfortunate consequences can be avoided by careful thought and preparation and a positive approach towards artefact care.
General rules
Handle museum artifacts as little as possible; Handling should be done only by properly trained staff; Do not hurry when holding an object; Handle each object as if it were precious; Cleanliness is essential; Do not smoke, drink or eat around objects; Do not use pens or sharp objects around objects, and If a mishap occurs record the damage in a condition report. Keep and label detached parts.
Before picking up an object
Determine whether your hands are properly protected. Are they clean? Should you be wearing gloves? Cotton gloves should always be used when handling metal, paper, textiles, unglazed pottery, marble and other porous materials. Cotton gloves should not be worn while handling glass and glazed ceramics. To prevent slippage, hands should be clean and dry or latex/vinyl gloves should be worn.
Examine the object carefully and learn its strengths and weaknesses. Be wary – there may be internal weakness or old (and weak) repairs that are not obvious to the naked eye.
Are you wearing a belt buckle, likely to scratch the artefact? Should you remove your jewelry?
If it is too heavy to handle on your own – get help! Discuss each person’s role before moving the artefact.
How to pick up an object
Use both hands; Never pick it up by the handle, rim or a projecting part; Pick it up by the most solid component, and Handle only one object at a time.
How to move an object
Plan your route (be sure all doors will be open) and prepare a place ahead of time to receive the artefact; Support all objects while in transit by making use of a carrying tray (for small objects), rigid supports (for paper or flat textiles), or a trolley (for heavy or large objects); Never carry dissimilar materials together (e.g. metal and paper); Place an object on its most stable surface; Provide adequate padding to minimize vibration and abrasion; Never drag an object; Never walk backwards, and Nothing should protrude beyond the edges of the container or cart.
Small delicate objects
Carry in a padded carrying tray, and to avoid abrasion make use of tissue paper and/or polyethylene padding materials.
Flat flexible objects (e.g. paper documents, textiles, beaded items)
• Always support these types of artefacts from below with a rigid support. Materials for rigid supports might include a piece of fabric-covered plywood, matboard, fluted polyethylene board. Your choice will depend on the weight of the object.
• The rigid support should be slightly larger than the artifacts (e.g. a document) place a piece of mat board on top, to prevent air currents from lifting the artifact off the support while being moved.
Large flat textiles (e.g. quilts and carpets)
• Avoid folding. Roll the item around a large diameter tube (minimum 4”) which has been covered with polyethylene sheeting and acid-free tissue. Once the artefact is rolled, secure it by trying with cloth tape.
Books
Books with damaged spines should be tied with a wide place of cloth tape (e.g. twill tape) before moving; Do not force book spines open while reading or photocopying; Do not fold over corners of pages, and Do not lick fingers while turning pages.
Furniture
Always lift furniture – never drag it. Make use of a dolly if the item is too heavy to move on your own; Lift by the solid parts of the framework (e.g. chairs by the seat, tables by the legs); Remove drawers and tie doors shut before moving, and Keep furniture upright.
Framed items
Always carry upright, unless the painted surface is fragile in which case keep the picture plane horizontal at all times; Be wary of projecting decorative elements; Carry with the glass side towards you, with one hand at the bottom and the other at one side; Place artifact on a well-padded surface. (Carpeting is useful for this purpose), and if vertical stacking is necessary, place oversized pieces of cardboard between each frame. Never touch or lean anything directly on the front of or back of a painting.
List of useful supplies
From archival or art supply stores:
Acid-free paper; Cotton gloves; Polyethylene/polypropylene board, and polyethylene foam.
From hardware, cleaning or building supply stores:
Polyethylene sheeting and Latex gloves
From sewing supply stores:
Twill tape (undyed cotton or polyester)
Lamidi is the chief conservator, National Museum, Benin City
