Care of Industrial Objects

Module Synopsis

This module focuses on the care of industrial objects such as locomotives, airplanes, road vehicles, and agricultural machinery, with special emphasis on outdoor environments. These objects have much in common and the experience and knowledge gained with one type can be applied successfully to the others. Key components in preserving these objects include determining the causes of deterioration, assessing the display and storage sites, and implementing appropriate remedial measures and maintenance. Special emphasis is placed on documentation and research. Participants will have the opportunity to share their expertise and experience, and to ask questions on specific projects and problems. Objects in the collection of the host museum will be examined in detail.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• accurately document the condition of an industrial object with digital photographs, written text, and related graphics
• analyse and prioritize the problems associated with the objects in various outdoor environments
• devise practical solutions to problems
• organize and present a report that is both practical and persuasive

Units

Principles of Outdoor Object Conservation
Introduction to the conservation of industrial objects in various environments: key similarities, differences, and shared problems. Objects as materials, focusing on their design and deterioration outdoors. Learning from existing collections across Canada.

Examination and Documentation
Documenting the condition of an object accurately and efficiently with digital photographs, written text, and drawings.

Research
Conducting research with both analog (libraries and archives) and digital (Internet, CD-Rs, etc.) resources. Sharing research results with others via e-mailed images, web sites, flatbed scanners, and digital cameras. Creating inventories of industrial collections.

Recommendations for Existing Collections
Evaluating display sites and prioritizing the problems associated with objects in these environments. Finding practical solutions to the problems.

Special Topics
A number of special-interest topics may be covered at the request of the host institution and participants, e.g. problems specific to railway, aviation, automotive, military, or agricultural collections. Please contact CCI for details.

Target Audience

Staff and volunteers of museums and interpretive sites with industrial objects on display or in storage, both indoors and outside.

Facilitator(s)

George Prytulak

Language

English

Enrollment Limits

Minimum 10; maximum 16

Duration

2 days

Because this workshop focuses on outdoor collections, it should be scheduled for a time of year when the weather is suitable for outdoor excursions. Participants are encouraged to bring appropriate clothing and umbrellas in case of inclement weather.

Special Requirements

The host institution must provide:

• a presentation room with low noise levels for general discussion and group exercises that has good lighting but can be darkened enough to permit viewing of projected images
• an LCD projector and screen
• access to a variety of industrial objects in storage and on display
• at least one computer with Internet access
• four laptop computers and four digital cameras (back-up equipment)

N.B. Participants are strongly urged to bring their own laptop computers and digital cameras.