Object handling

1. Object handling • Most damage happens when handling objects • Minimal handling • Good labeling in storage • Good description, image of object in database/catalogue • Careful planning and handling in exhibition installation / de-installation • Transit and loans

2. Handling guidelines • Check condition of object before handling • Move one item at a time • Do not lift an object over an other • Never lift from a protruding part, handle from most stable part • Use trolleys, trays, tubs, crates to move from one place to another • Have the object properly supported

3. Guidelines continued... • Prepare a space to put the item • Check the route • With heavy, awkward & large objects ask for help • Wear gloves to avoid finger marks, grease and sweat from hands • If object is slippery and cannot wear gloves use clean hands

4. Handling tools

5. Trays, crates, tubs

6. Pallet jack

7. Gloves

8. Paper fingers

9. Pillow support

10. Condition reporting • Assess the physical condition of the object = how well preserved the object is • Description of general condition • Extent and location of damage • Assess the need for a conservation treatment

11. When to do a condition report? • Done as part of accessioning process • For items going on exhibition • For items going out for loan or coming in for loan • For touring exhibitions

12. Why condition report? • Base line to assess whether object has deteriorated over time and how • Legally establish the condition of on object when it comes in as loan and is returned • Cumulative condition reports for touring exhibitions to identify time/place of damage

13. Condition of an object may be affected by • Inherent factors • natural degradation of materials • weakness in construction / manufacture process • Damage • wear and tear • accidental damage – chips, dents, tears, rips • environment - insects, mold, water, light, humidity • transport – poor packing, vibration, sub optimal storage

14. Condition report – how ? • Describe condition in standard terms or plain clear English • Photograph the object both front and back - mark damage on overlay it & date • Start from general and proceed to details • Describe type, location and extent/size of damage

15. Type of damage • Any breaks, chips, dents, gouges, flaking, separating of layers, peeling etc. • Marks, soiling, accretions etc.

16. Location and extent/size of damage • Location of damage • 2-dimensional objects (paper, photographs, paintings) – zones or quadrants • 3 dimensional objects – parts, zones • Extent of damage • Scattered = random, in spots or patches • General/overall = more extensive, over the entire object • Size of the damage • Extensive >marked>moderate>slight/minor>negligible • Measure the size of damage eg. diameter of largest spots

17. Describe also • Any treatments, additions, changes made to object • Possible need for a treatment

18. Examining the object • Unhurried, gather all equipment • Clean, uncluttered, well lit area • Padded surface to avoid accidental damage • Use pencil to take notes • Use cloth measuring tape, not metal one • Wear gloves, remove jewellery • Te Papa National Services Resource Guide • ‘Condition reporting’

19. Writing up the report • Identifying number – accession number • Brief description of object • Measurements • Examiner’s name and date • Object composition • Types of damage • Extent of damage • Location of damage • Previous repairs • Draw or photograph (scale and date) Remember to date and sign

20. Sample condition report

21. Making overlays

22. Condition reporting exercise