Wood

General storage and display guidelines

Give careful consideration to the storage site and the storage system. In situations where you can achieve the ideal conditions, a good storage system in an appropriate storage site will give added protection to your collection. If the available facilities, or the local climate, make it difficult for you to achieve the ideal conditions, then the selection of the storage site and the maintenance of a good storage system are even more critical in preventing damage to the collections.

Wherever possible, the storage and display sites should be in a central area of the building, where they are buffered from the extremes of climatic fluctuations which are experienced near external walls or in basements and attics. Basements should also be avoided, because of the risk of flooding.

The storage site should not contain any water, drain or steam pipes, particularly at ceiling level. If these pipes were to leak, extensive damage could result.

Ventilate storage and display sites. This helps reduce the risk of insect and mould infestation.

Clean and inspect storage and display areas regularly. Thorough, regular cleaning and vigilance help greatly in controlling insects and mould.

Check objects regularly to detect insect infestations early. Signs of infestation include holes and frass-that is, wood powder left by borer insects.

Don't store items in sheds or directly on the floor. Polished surfaces should be protected from moisture.

Cover stored objects with cotton or Tyvek covers. They provide protection from dust and unnecessary exposure to light. These covers also provide some buffering against fluctuations in environmental conditions.

Always give items adequate support, and try to reduce the physical stresses which can cause damage. Ensure that the supports for painted items will not rub against painted areas and cause paint loss.

Small items can be supported on polystyrene-filled, cotton bags. This also allows the items to be well aired, preventing possible cracking through differential drying.

Ensure that light-sensitive items are adequately protected. They can be placed in covered storage boxes, or covered with cotton or Tyvek dust cloths, to reduce their exposure to light.

Rotate exhibitions—so objects are not on display constantly.

Keep light levels low when items are on display, and make sure lights are turned off after hours. Always avoid direct sunlight on your objects. Make sure that the heat produced by the lights does not affect your objects.

Refer to Handling, transportation, storage and display volume for more general information on storing and displaying wood.