Course description
This course is designed to offer participants guidance and practice in established methods for the handling, package, storage and display of plastics. It consists of lectures and handling sessions, concentrating on recognising the many different materials encountered in collections, preventive conservation, handling, storage and display. As well as conservation issues, topics will include the history and development of plastics, their production technology and use in industry and everyday culture.
Most plastics age much faster than traditional materials, between five and 35 years after manufacture, and during their ageing process they can also accelerate the degradation and corrode the materials that surround them. They need special attention when it comes to preventive conservation, but what delays the decay of one plastic might accelerate the ageing of another. Therefore it is essential that these various types of plastics are identified.
It is usually not possible to do this in detail without thorough knowledge or any specialised equipment. However, there are many other aids for characterisation and identification. This workshop helps you get to know your own copllection and objects, their nature and their needs.
Do you work at this organisation and want to update this page?
Is there out-of-date information about your organisation or courses published here? Fill out this form to get in touch with us.