Caring for Glass Collections: The Importance of Maintaining Environmental Controls

Abstract

Glass is often seen as a relatively stable material, unaffected by changes in environmental conditions, but recent studies indicate otherwise. Research on the atmospheric deterioration of glass has consistently shown a strong correlation between climate, especially relative humidity (RH), and the rate of deterioration. New studies by the authors have shown that even stable compositions are at risk, when the glasses are exposed to continuous broad fluctuations in RH and temperature. Letting standards slip for the long-term storage of glass can be devastating, eventually leading to irreversible damage that in the final stages can result in the complete destruction of an object. Current research and monitoring of collections at the Corning Museum of Glass indicates that the RH should be within the range of 40–50%. For already crizzled glasses, a tighter control to 40–42% is recommended. Analysis of compositions of already crizzled glasses is ongoing, and hopefully will lead to the identification of at least some groups of glasses that are more at risk. This will help in providing future environmental recommendations for identifiable compositions, selected glass types, or known manufacturers.

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