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A harmonicon is a musical instrument of the
1700s |
Pack Up All
Your Cares
If the care of your heritage is getting you down, it may be time to pack it off to your deserving kin. But plan ahead so the treasures arrive intact - packing for transit is different than packing for storage. A sealed plastic bag will isolate the artifact from pollutants in the packing materials, from travelling pests and jam - should you be unwise enough to send heritage preserves in the same parcel. The bag will ensure that the artifact arrives with the same level of humidityy with which it left, and, should the worst occur, keep all the broken pieces together. If the artifact has a very fragile surface, however, wrap it in acid-free tissue first; polyethylene can develop enough static electricity to lift off fibres and fragments. Unless you are bequeathing Aunt Maude's embroidered pillows, cushioning the item is necessary. Materials of dubious stability can be used because the packaging is temporary. Consider the weight of the artifact and that the cushioning material must repeat its performance. Crumpled tissue will bounce back if packed around a very light object, but will be flattened by a marble bust. Styroforam is only good for a single impact - once dented, it stays that way. Polyester quilt batting is excellent cushioning material, but should never be used directly against an artifact - the fibres will cling to any rough surface and pull off fragments when removed. Polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, bubble pack, even popcorn (air-popped, not pre-buttered!) will distribute the force of impact, but they can become compressed with time, excessive load or high temperatures. Consider that larger packages tend to be dropped more on their bottoms; smaller, lighter objects tend to be droppped from greater heights. It is possible to calculate both the type and amount of cushioning required. When you decide who deserves the glass harmonicon,* seek expert advice. The size of the artifact and the choice of carrier will determine the crate. A small item in a cardboard box can be safely carried by hand; the same box would be less satisfactory for mailing Uncle Frank's collection of cannon balls. A wooden crate will provide protection and reduce damage from handling. Aunt Nellie's penny-farthing bicycle will be awkward to pack, but secure in a crate, it will probably suffer less than she did in her final road race. If you have a collection of items, make sure they are compatible travelling companions - Grandpa's anvil should not accompany Grandma's china dogs. Although "fragile" and "handle with care" labels are ineffectual, clear and consistent labelling will help ensure your parcel's prompt arrival. If you are re-using a container, be sure to remove all the old labels. Dress your package for success: Cousin Louis may value his inheritance more if it comes in an impressive box. And don't forget to include an inventory - you don't want the pearls to be composted with the popcorn! For more information or advice on this topic, please contact your local museum, art gallery or archives. |
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