Abstract
This paper discusses the selection of packaging and storage means that
facilitate the preservation, protection andmanagerial needs for a group
of excavated textiles where their physical and chemical properties have
been unrecognisably altered as a result of the burial process (in this case
mineralisation). The newly acquired properties include a significant
loss in weight (possibly due to mineralisation causing dehydration),
extreme hydrophobia, brittleness and zero mechanical strength and
elasticity. Developing an appropriate packaging and storage method
depends on the methodology employed, the system selected and the
materials used. The box-in-box method was selected for better controlling
environmental parameters. The textiles were systematically organised
in a way that they are stable and readily accessible withminimum
handling. Thematerials used included open and close-cell polyethylene
foam, copolymer polyethylene and polypropylene board, non-woven
polyethylene fabric and the antistatic type of polyester film. All
materials and methods applied exhibit great versatility and are potentially
useful for conservators in similar situations.
facilitate the preservation, protection andmanagerial needs for a group
of excavated textiles where their physical and chemical properties have
been unrecognisably altered as a result of the burial process (in this case
mineralisation). The newly acquired properties include a significant
loss in weight (possibly due to mineralisation causing dehydration),
extreme hydrophobia, brittleness and zero mechanical strength and
elasticity. Developing an appropriate packaging and storage method
depends on the methodology employed, the system selected and the
materials used. The box-in-box method was selected for better controlling
environmental parameters. The textiles were systematically organised
in a way that they are stable and readily accessible withminimum
handling. Thematerials used included open and close-cell polyethylene
foam, copolymer polyethylene and polypropylene board, non-woven
polyethylene fabric and the antistatic type of polyester film. All
materials and methods applied exhibit great versatility and are potentially
useful for conservators in similar situations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of the Institute of Conservation |
| Issue number | 39 |
| Pages (from-to) | 145-157 |
| ISSN | 1945-5224 |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Jul 2016 |