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  • 1.  Leaves to be put on display

    Posted 09-25-2019 16:27
    The student gallery at RISD in Providence, RI will be displaying a student work which is composed of a pile of dried leaves from outside.  What would be the recommendation for insuring that these leaves are pest-free?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Should they be frozen?  I think Ageless oxygen scavenger would crush them?  Thank you.

    Ingrid A. Neuman
    Museum Conservator
    T 401 454 6549
    F 401 454 6556


                                   


  • 2.  RE: Leaves to be put on display

    Posted 09-26-2019 09:51
    If you have a space to accommodate the materials, I would think bagging the leaves and a deep freeze at or lower than -12F should be sufficient. In my experience, 72 hours for a first freeze, a 24-hour thaw, and then a 48-hour freeze has worked as our freezers only reach -12F and not the recommended -20F.

    I think you're right about the Ageless oxygen scavenger crushing the leaves. At least freezing you could ensure the leaves are relatively unchanged.

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    Joseph Sherren
    Collections Manager, Montpelier Historic Site
    Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
    Laurel MD
    (301) 377-7836
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  • 3.  RE: Leaves to be put on display

    Posted 09-26-2019 11:17
    Hi Ingrid,

    Low temperature treatment is an excellent way to treat dried leaves! Natural History Museums do this all the time for exhibition and for loaned collections.

    Here is a nice article from the CCI with some good practical information: https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/controlling-insects-low-temperature.html

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    Ian Hart
    Preparator
    California Academy of Sciences
    San Francisco CA
    (347) 255-0525
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