When it comes to cultural heritage, one of the biggest challenges is the proper handling and conservation of historical artifacts. British museums, renowned world-over for their vast collections, often face this challenge when undertaking relocation or renovations. The task of moving precious artifacts to a new home without causing damage is a delicate one. In this article, let’s delve deeper into how you can prevent damage to a historical artifact when relocating to a new home in the UK.
Understanding the Vulnerability of Artifacts
Before you proceed with moving your cherished artifacts, it’s critical to understand the vulnerability of these objects. Artifacts, whether they are art or archaeological objects, are typically made from materials that can easily degrade over time. The key causes of deterioration include improper handling, exposure to adverse environmental conditions, and lack of proper storage materials and methods.
An artifact’s vulnerability is also tied to its age. Older objects tend to be more fragile, and thus require more care when handling. Additionally, different materials react differently to environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. For instance, metal artifacts are prone to rust when exposed to water, while paper and textile artifacts are susceptible to mould and insect damage. The type of object and the materials it is made from will dictate the precautions you need to take during the move.
Conservation Practices in British Museums
To gain insights on how to effectively handle and move artifacts, we can look at the conservation practices employed by British museums. These institutions are custodians of global cultural heritage, and their methods of preserving and handling artifacts can serve as a guide for individual collectors.
British museums follow a stringent code of ethics when it comes to artifact conservation. The first step is often a detailed documentation of the object, including high-resolution photographs, and a condition report detailing any existing damage or deterioration. This record serves as a reference for the future, allowing conservators to monitor changes and implement appropriate preservation measures as needed.
When it comes to moving artifacts, professional packing materials are used. Acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, and custom-built crates are commonly used to secure the artifacts during the move. The goal is to restrict movement within the packaging as much as possible, thereby reducing the risk of damage.
The Role of Professional Art Handlers
When moving valuable historical artifacts, hiring professional art handlers can be a wise decision. These specialists are trained in the safe handling and movement of artwork and other precious objects, using techniques that mitigate the risks of damage.
Art handlers understand the importance of careful packing and use a variety of materials to cushion and protect objects. They also know how to correctly lift and carry large or heavy objects, using equipment if necessary, to prevent strain or sudden drops.
In addition, professional art handlers are experienced in dealing with a range of artifacts, from fragile glass and ceramics to large sculptures and paintings. They might use climate-controlled vehicles for transport, and they can advise on the best conditions for storing and displaying your artifacts once they reach their new home.
Implementing Precautions at Home
Once your artifacts have safely arrived at their new home, you must continue to implement measures to protect them from damage. Consider the location where you will display or store your artifacts. Avoid areas with high humidity, direct sunlight, or drastic temperature changes, as these conditions can lead to deterioration over time.
When handling your artifacts, always use clean, dry hands, or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt that can damage the object’s surface. Regularly dust and clean the objects, using gentle methods and approved cleaning materials.
Even in a new home, an artifact’s environment should mimic conditions in a museum as much as possible. This includes the use of display cases or frames to protect the artifacts from physical damage and environmental factors.
Remember, preserving artifacts is not merely about safeguarding objects, but rather it’s about preserving cultural heritage for future generations. With careful planning, professional help, and continued diligence, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your valuable artifacts, even when moving them to a new home.
The Role of Conservation Institutes and Preventive Conservation
Intricate and delicate cultural heritage items require expert care. This is where conservation institutes come into play. They provide guidelines and training for the conservation restoration of historical artifacts. These institutes, such as the Canadian Conservation Institute, not only ensure the survival of artifacts within a museum setting but also offer guidance for individual collectors and homeowners.
Preventive conservation is a key approach advocated by conservation institutes. This practice focuses on preventing damage rather than repairing it. It involves controlling the environment around the artifact to prevent agents of deterioration such as light, temperature, and relative humidity. Common preventive measures include controlling humidity levels, installing UV filters on windows, and monitoring for pests.
Conservation institutes also stress the importance of understanding the nature of the artifact’s materials. Organic materials like bone and ivory are sensitive to changes in relative humidity, while inorganic materials like metals can corrode in high humidity. The Government of Canada, among others, provides comprehensive guidelines on how to handle and care for different types of materials.
By adhering to these preventive conservation measures and guidelines, it is possible to maintain the integrity of historical artifacts, even when moving them to a new home.
Handling and Preserving Unique Artifacts like Shipwreck Artifacts and Human Remains
Some artifacts require additional precautions due to their unique nature. For instance, shipwreck artifacts and human remains are examples of movable cultural property that have specific conservation needs. These items have often survived harsh conditions and require specialised care to prevent further degradation.
Shipwreck artifacts, for instance, are often made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, ceramics, and organic materials. Before moving, these items need a thorough assessment by a conservation expert to determine the best way to handle and package them.
Human remains, such as bones or mummified bodies, are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. They should be moved and stored in climate-controlled environments. It’s essential to contact a professional before handling these objects to ensure they are respectfully and safely moved.
Conclusion: Ensuring the Longevity of Cultural Heritage
Moving historical artifacts to a new home can pose a challenge. However, understanding the vulnerability of these precious items, following the best practices of conservation used in places like the British Museum, and getting advice from conservation institutes can greatly help in ensuring their preservation.
Don’t hesitate to hire professional art handlers if you are dealing with valuable or particularly sensitive items. Once your artifacts reach their new home, remember to implement continued measures to protect them, including controlling their environment and handling them with care.
Remember, every artifact, whether it’s a piece of pottery from a local heritage site or national park, or a painting from a renowned artist, tells a story. As caretakers of these artifacts, it’s our responsibility to safeguard these stories for future generations. Understanding and implementing proper collections care is the first step in preserving these pieces of our shared history.
By adhering to the guidelines mentioned above and understanding the complexities involved in the process, you are contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage not just for your personal enjoyment, but for the enrichment of future generations. Let’s all play our part in protecting and preserving these precious links to our past.
