Monitoring complex objects in real display environments - how helpful is it?

Abstract

The application of accelerated ageing experimental results to real life environments and collections can be problematic. Similarly, monitoring small changes and understanding objects on display is complex and can be difficult. Veneer and marquetry furniture collections are often reported to be vulnerable, particularly to relative humidity (RH) fluctuations. As a result stable environments are recommended for display conditions, however without air conditioning, as in historic houses, these can be difficult to achieve. This paper outlines the problems and issues around monitoring complex objects in real display environments. Details of the selection of the objects, their materials and unknown histories as well as the monitoring techniques, their use and application in non-laboratory environments are included. The data provided by monitoring techniques and how they can be interpreted will also be discussed. Crucially, the paper will examine whether the outcomes of such monitoring are useful and helpful to both scientists and conservators, particularly in relation to the alternative accelerated ageing methods.

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