Anoxic Frames at Tate

1. Anoxic Frames at Tate Jacob Thomas1,2,*, Stephen Hackney1, Joyce Townsend1 1 Tate, London, UK 2 University College London, London, UK * Corresponding author, jacoblthomas@gmail.com Showcases Inside Out, Porto

2. anoxic solutions Depending on an institution’s budget, several different anoxic solutions are available for display of individual high-value objects and for bulk storage of lower value objects. These vary in price from a few euros to several million dollars. Showcases Inside Out, Porto The original anoxic case design for the American Charters of Freedom Image credit: NIST NBS, 1951, Preservation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, National Bureau of Standards. A heat sealed barrier film bag with oxygen absorber The anoxic case design for the refitting of the American Charters of Freedom Image credit: NIST http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/Charter/encasements.htm#design The anoxic case for the Waldseemüller map Image credit: NIST http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/techbeat/tb2007_1212.htm#w-map

3. Showcases Inside Out, Porto • early research • identify objects in Tate’s collection that might benefit from anoxia • develop several proof-of-concept frames • conduct comparative studies of light sensitive materials • current research • design, build, and use an improved micro-fadeometer for measuring colour change under various atmospheres • define classes of objects and combinatorially prepare historically informed samples • implement high throughput headspace analysis to monitor paper degradation markers • improve upon existing frame designs to deliver a low-cost, mass-produceable anoxic frame • next steps • continue research into other classes of objects • begin framing paper-based objects in anoxia a brief history of anoxia at Tate

4. Showcases Inside Out, Porto • limit colour change of specific colorants • limit oxidative degradation of enclosed materials • allow for object specific micro-climates by RH control and band-stop light filtering • exclude exogenous pollutants and dust • prevent water damage • limit impact damage • suppress RH fluctuations due to room based climate control failure • permit longer display periods or display in higher light levels why anoxia?

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6. Showcases Inside Out, Porto a comparative study unaged with oxygen without oxygen

7. Showcases Inside Out, Porto • aesthetics • no visible valves, lines, or bellows • low-profile • Tate standard frame • cost efficient • suitable for objects with a range of values • stable and maintenance-free • durable and conservation grade construction • 10 years lifetime between open case inspections • easy to use • no special skills required • fitting and unfitting should be rapid and non-damaging • no additional staff or resources needed • mounting/fitting • hanging • storage design pressures

8. Showcases Inside Out, Porto evolution of frame design early frame design present frame design • pressed and welded aluminium body • directional valve • butyl rubber seal • fluorescence-based oxygen sensors • bent perspex or aluminium body • septa for gas filling • two Beva or butyl seals per unit • colorimetric oxygen sensors

9. Showcases Inside Out, Porto historical and experimental evidence

10. Showcases Inside Out, Porto historically informed reproductions and high throughput screening

11. Showcases Inside Out, Porto real objects and real problems access quality control storage handling and hanging transport endogenous pollutants increased fading of some colorants

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