Stabilize paintings while drying tables are prepared The temperature in this location should be relatively cool, and the relative humidity (RH) should be moderate (e.g. a dry surface or a safe, dry location where the painting can lean against a wall, raised on padded blocks see CCI Notes 10/13 Basic Handling of Paintings and 10/2 Making Padded Blocks). Make sure that the route is clear, and prepare a location for temporary placement (e.g. Avoid touching paint or canvas surfaces or a frame's decorative moldings. When lifting a painting, tilt it to allow excess water to drain off. Contact a conservation professional for advice and possible assistance 3. (Emergency authorities will not allow you to enter the building until they have declared it safe.) 2. check for electrical hazards and gas leaks from ruptured pipes ensure that the area is physically safe to enter inform oneself of potential health hazards such as mould and contaminated water obtain protective clothing, close-fitting vinyl or nitrile gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment ).ĭefine and outline the roles of each team member. Emergency responseĬall in the emergency response team and begin emergency safety procedures to ensure that no harm comes to the individuals involved in the recovery (e.g. Refer to your institution's disaster plan for specific guidance. There is also a significant risk that mould will develop in warm, damp conditions, especially if the paintings, stretchers and frames are slow to dry. Wooden frames swell, and water-sensitive layers and ornamentation on frames can be lost. Some binders are water-sensitive and can dissolve. Paint and varnish surfaces can also blanch. Ground and paint layers can swell in the presence of water and then separate from the underlying canvas. Wooden stretchers will also swell and may warp, possibly causing distortions and tears in the canvas. The layers of laminated cards can separate and distort. Canvas supports can shrink dramatically when wet, causing paint and ground layers to crack, buckle and flake off. The most significant risks are the expansion, shrinkage and subsequent deformation of painting supports, as well as flaking and loss of image layers.Ĭommonly used painting supports that react to moisture include canvas, wood, hardboard and laminated card. Organization and planning are essential to effectively recover collections. It is therefore important to be prepared with supplies and a plan of action that includes personnel contact numbers, roles and responsibilities a current list of suppliers and sources of disaster-recovery equipment. Considering the devastating effect water has on a collection of paintings, it is wise to take all measures to prevent an occurrence from happening or to reduce its effects. We strongly recommend putting an emergency preparedness policy and disaster plan in place before an emergency or disaster occurs (see CCI Notes 14/1 Emergency Preparedness for Cultural Institutions: Introduction and 14/2 Emergency Preparedness for Cultural Institutions: Identifying and Reducing Hazards). The information provided can also be used to help prepare an emergency response plan tailored to your institution's collection. The steps below, summarized in a condensed plan of action at the end of this Note, can be followed in an emergency situation. This Note describes actions that can reduce the immediate effects of water damage. However, if expert assistance is not available, non-conservators can carry out the specific emergency procedures outlined here. Because water-damaged paintings are likely to be in an extremely vulnerable state, contact a conservator as soon as possible. Thus, it is important to deal with water-affected paintings through immediate controlled drying. Simple air drying may not be suitable for most wet paintings because layers will react at different rates, and paint flaking and loss are likely. The effects of water contact may not occur immediately but may take minutes to hours to develop. Because, for most paintings, exposure to water may immediately cause damage as well as predispose the artwork to short or long-term damage, every possible precaution should be taken to eliminate this risk. It is usually the result of leaking or burst water pipes, flooding, sewer back-ups or efforts to extinguish a fire. Water can cause serious damage to a collection of paintings. It can be copied and posted in an accessible location to use during an emergency. Survey the affected area to assess the situation and ensure personal safety, and undertake procedures to prevent further damage.Ī condensed plan of action has been provided in an Appendix to this Note. In the event of an emergency, call a conservator as soon as possible.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |