Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  This helpful wet salvage quick-reference chart developed by Betty Walsh allows users to quickly determine how to handle, pack, and dry various types of media (paper documents, books, paintings, computer media, photographs, etc.). https://cool.culturalheritage.org/waac/wn/wn19/wn19-2/wn19-207.html

  We receive and share useful tips on care of personal collections from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation: “While those of us in the conservation department are working from home, we are finding comfort in our family heirlooms and treasures—many of which require our attention. Like so many around the country, we are finally taking the time to clean out our closets, sort through our attics, and look through our family albums. While we all turn to our family treasures for comfort during these trying times, the conservation department would like to share tips on ways to care for your personal collections. Each week a different student from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation will address ways to care for the collections in your cupboards.  This series will continue throughout the summer and cover a variety of items and materials; published posts are listed below.” Attics and Basements and Closets, Oh...

  We are thinking of all the people in Dallas affected by the tornado. If you have questions and need guidance in rescuing artworks, you can call the National Emergency Responders at (202) 661-8068 or TX-CERA at (669)-237-2243. To find a local qualified conservator, use the search function on the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) website:  https://www.culturalheritage.org/membership/find-a-conservator A few quick tips to stabilize and avoid further damage to water-damaged or impact-damaged artworks until you are able to contact a conservator. Remember: your safety comes first! For general guidelines on how to approach an emergency:  https://txcera.org/emergency-response/ For framed artworks: if the artwork is not stuck to the glass, carefully remove from frame in a safe and dry place. If you notice that the paint is lifting off the surface or if you see minute losses, do not unframe. Place painting face up on elevated blocks to provide air circulation...