Artifact Rehousing

Care of Collections, Collections Management

After completing a lecture on glass and ceramics conservation in my Care of Collections class, I had the opportunity to put theory into practice. We were tasked with rehousing glass bottles and shards from the Brock Street, Peterborough, Ontario archeological dig. (McConnel 2020) These artifacts had remained in storage at the Peterborough Museum and Archives [PMA] since 2003, wrapped in paper towels.

My responsibility was to unpack each artifact from the storage box, record their condition, carefully rewrap each in Polyethylene foam sheeting then rehouse them. I wore nitrile gloves to protect the artifacts and my skin. While handling, I took extra care to gently move artifacts, following the Canadian Conservation Institute [CCI] guidelines for Ceramic and Glass Artifacts. (Newton 2007)

While examining the objects, I noticed many had an iridescent effect and were flaky. These are signs of deterioration and are caused by “…the chemical and physical properties of the burial environment and the composition of the glass itself are the main factors that determine the rate of deterioration of glass in the ground.” (Giffen) Multiple Agents of Deterioration, such as salts, oxygen, and microorganisms, can affect glass degradation, but water is the primary cause. (Roemich 2007, 30-31) While burried, the glass bottles and shards were exposed to these Agents of Deterioration. Now they are in stable condition and are housed in the controlled environment of the PMA Curatorial Centre.

As I rehoused the artifacts, I ensured each was securely wrapped in Polyethylene foam sheeting that met CCI guidelines and confirmed no glass-to-glass contact. Particularly delicate artifacts were noted and rehoused with extra care. I performed a gentle shake test on the storage box throughout the rehousing process, carefully listening for any clinking that would alert me to glass-on-glass contact. Upon completion, I reported on my progress and submitted my paperwork to my Care of Collections professor and the PMA’s Preventive Conservation Officer. The glass bottles and shards will remain safely stored in the museum’s collection for future research and exhibition use.