Conservation and Care of Glass Objects

Abstract

if more references to these other areas were provided for further study. The division of the chapters is a clear reflection of the main issues in the conservation of glass objects, and the text is concise and relevant. He provides possibly the clearest explanation I have read of atmospher ic d is integrat ion of glass. He divides the process into f ive stages of cr izz l ing, which are well illustrated by examples from the collection of the Corning Museum. I n g e n e r a l t h e m a t e r i a l s a n d techniques descr ibed do not di ffer greatly from those used in European museums, although the replacement of large missing areas of an object or ‘loss compensation’ as described by Koob might be considered ethical ly problematic in some countries. On the other hand, Koob provides examples of reversible fill techniques, which should answer any concerns. An assembly technique pract ised predominant ly i n Germany, F rance and Be lg ium makes use of small metal arches here termed ‘omega clamps’, which hold break edges together while adhesive is introduced. Koob does not note that the clamps are usually fixed onto the glass surface with cyanoacrylate The first thing that strikes one about this publication is the clarity of the layout and the quality of the images. One then finds that the text is written in a very readable style. Stephen Koob has enjoyed a long career in the conservation profession and has spent a great deal of his time working specifically with glass at the Corning Museum of Glass. This handson experience comes through in the text and provides a practical approach that is both refreshing and educational. In his introduction Koob makes it clear that his aim was not to provide a definitive text covering all aspects of glass conservation practice, but rather to give an overview of his extensive practical experience. As well as using the book to accompany courses he teaches, he is hoping to reach a broader audience of those working with glass collections. As a result of his focus on treatment, little attention is paid to the technology and historical development of glass and practically none to production techniques, both of which can be important in the understanding of glass deterioration and the assessment of conservation choices. This approach is understandable considering the aims of the book, but it would have been useful adhesive, however, which has been controversial because glass surfaces can be damaged when the clamps are removed. European conservators will appreciate the appended ‘Sources of Materials’, which lists both American and British suppliers. References in ‘For Further Reading’ provide good background material , although considering the amount of international research in the last 10 years on subjects such as the deterioration of archaeological glass and collection management, one could have expected a more extensive list. A succinct text can be given more depth through the provision of a more extensive bibliography. All in all, this book is certainly a must for anyone involved in the conservation of glass objects. It is admirably clear and more than adequately comprehensive, so long as one is aware that further background knowledge in certain areas is necessary. It is also very encouraging to find a conservation book that not only provides quality of content but is a pleasure to read.

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