Connecting to Collections Care

 View Only
  • 1.  Condition Reporting Whale Bone

    Posted 04-16-2021 11:12
    Hi C2CC Community,

    A small team of us are about to embark upon an ambitious project to clean, repair/treat, and condition report the Ontario Science Centre's Fin Whale skeleton. It is 65-feet long, fully articulated, and has been consistently on display since 1981. The scaffolding is up and we are set to begin cleaning next week.

    I was hoping I could solicit the community for resources about condition reporting "artifacts" of this nature. Two of us will be responsible for condition reporting, and I imagine it will be a huge undertaking. I am familiar with the basics of condition reporting, and have found the easier to find resources, such as the CCI note on horn, antler, and bone. What I am looking for are more specialized resources that exclusively discuss bone, and highlight common issues bone displays, what to look for, and how best to go about the report. Tips on establishing efficient workflow (and avoiding condition reporting burnout, which is a thing!) are also welcome. And if perhaps you don't have resources to share but do have experience with this, I would LOVE to chat.

    Thank you very much in advance! I hope to chat with some of you very soon.

    All the best,
    Taryn

    ------------------------------
    Taryn Foss
    Artifacts Coordinator
    Ontario Science Centre
    Toronto, ON
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Condition Reporting Whale Bone

    Posted 04-18-2021 08:49
    Hi Taryn,
    You may find the story of moving of the blue whale at the National Museum of Ireland helpful and I might be able to put you in touch with them.

    Whale Skeleton Dismantling | Natural History | National Museum of Ireland
    National Museum of Ireland remove preview
    Whale Skeleton Dismantling | Natural History | National Museum of Ireland
    The National Museum of Ireland is in the process of preparing the Natural History Museum for major roof works by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Starting in 2020 the most significant objects to be tackled are the skeletons of two whales, that are suspended from structures in the attic space.
    View this on National Museum of Ireland >

    Hope the blue whale | Live talk with NHM scientist

    YouTube remove preview
    Hope the blue whale | Live talk with NHM scientist
    Meet Museum scientist, Natalie Cooper, and learn how this historic specimen is giving us a unique insight into the lives of these ocean giants.Join us to dis...
    View this on YouTube >





    ------------------------------
    Brad Bredehoft
    CEO
    Museum Study, LLC
    Minneapolis MN
    (612) 790-1645
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Condition Reporting Whale Bone

    Posted 04-19-2021 18:26
    Dear Taryn, 

    In case you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend the blog "Once in a Whale" written by project conservators at Oxford University's Museum of Natural History: https://onceinawhale.com

    The blog features detailed entries about the research and conservation of 7 whale specimens that had been on open display for over one hundred years; there is a lot of great information that sounds relevant to your project. 

    Kind regards,

    Frances

    ------------------------------
    Frances Lukezic
    Objects Conservator
    Naval History & Heritage Command
    Richmond, VA

    ------------------------------