Conservation, Presentation and Care of Artworks - Unit 4 AM&E

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to conservation, presentation, and care of artworks as taught in the unit.

Conservation

The practices to protect artworks from deterioration and preserve their condition across display, storage, handling, and transport.

Presentation

The practical and aesthetic arrangement of artworks in exhibition spaces to communicate ideas and support the artist's intentions.

Care

Ongoing practices to maintain artworks, including environmental control, handling protocols, storage, and monitoring.

Environmental considerations

Strategies to protect artworks on display and in storage, including lighting, temperature, humidity, and material stability.

Exhibition furniture

Furniture used in display (plinths, vitrines) to support and present artworks.

Invigilation

Supervision during exhibitions to safeguard works and monitor conditions.

Handling

Procedures for moving and manipulating artworks safely to avoid damage.

Transport

Safe movement of artworks between spaces, often with specialized packing.

Storage

Controlled conditions for keeping artworks when not on display.

Condition reporting

Documentation of an artwork's condition at a given time to monitor changes.

Material stability

How different materials respond to environmental factors and aging.

Lighting levels

The intensity and quality of light affecting artworks during display and storage.

Temperature

Heat levels and fluctuations affecting artworks; museums aim for stable ranges.

Relative Humidity (RH)

Moisture level in air; target ranges and limits to prevent damage.

Vermin

Pests (mice, insects) that damage organic materials; require monitoring and control.

Security

Measures to protect artworks from theft, damage, and vandalism.

Site-specific/public art

Artworks created outside traditional galleries; often temporary, raising conservation questions.

Artist’s intention

The goals and meanings the artist aims to convey; guides display and care decisions.

Cultural protocols

Ethical guidelines for display, storage, and handling of culturally sensitive works.

Exhibition space

The physical environment where artworks are shown (gallery, museum, outdoor, site-specific).

Curation

Process of selecting, organizing, and presenting artworks in an exhibition.

Backing board

Support placed behind fabric-supported works to maintain planarity during transport.

Solander Box

pH-neutral, light-safe container for storage and transport of artworks.

Glassine

Acid-free interleaf for short-term storage/packing; not suitable in humid conditions and can adhere if varnished.

Kraft paper

Low-acidity packing paper; strong and absorbent; use caution if varnish isn’t dry and avoid direct contact with tacky surfaces.

Tyvek

Durable interleaf material for long-term storage and transport of artworks.

Mylar

Clear polyester interleaf; silicone-release type safe for direct contact with art; avoid for pastel/charcoal.

Polyethylene film

Moisture barrier film used for packing; sealed micro-climates can reduce moisture but risk condensation if not properly sealed.

Bubble wrap

Cushioning material; should not contact artwork surfaces directly—use an interleaf.

Ethafoam/Volara

Lightweight cushioning foam; moisture barrier; used for long-term storage with appropriate interleaving.

PU foam

Polyurethane foam cushioning; suitable for short-term transport when used with interleaf barriers.

Environmental monitoring

Tracking RH and temperature to maintain stable conditions in galleries.

Data loggers

Devices that continuously record environmental conditions over time.

Sight lines

Lines of sight in an exhibition space that influence placement and audience movement.

Exhibition design

Planning how artworks are presented, including layout, lighting, and interpretive elements.

Ethical considerations

Moral responsibilities in displaying and caring for artworks, including culturally sensitive works.

Site-specific considerations

Factors unique to works created for specific spaces or contexts that affect display and conservation.

material sensitivity to light

what is the ideal temp range for artworks in a gallery

20ºC – 24ºC. No more than 4 degree change in 24 hours.

what is the ideal humidity level for artworks in a gallery

relative humidity is 50% ± 5%.

why do galleries have to stay in the temp range

Excessive heat can not only lead to decreased RH, it can also accelerate chemical reactions and physical change that lead to degradation of the artworks.

Rapid changes in temperature or relative humidity can cause sudden movement in materials (expansion and contraction),