Risk Assessment For Object Conservation

Description:
'Risk Assessment for Object Conservation' reflects Dr Jonathan Ashley-Smith's personal interests and views in areas including materials science, the ethics of restoration, the costs of conservation and the philosophy of museums. This valuable book explains the mechanisms of deterioration of museum artifacts, quantifying the probability that damage will occur and estimating the rate of progress when it does. The principles outlined and the information provided will form a foundation for cost-benefit analysis of conservation proposals. Dr Ashley-Smith also gives comprehensive explanations of scientific of mathematical material to take into consideration the readers who have no background in these areas, alongside a basic introduction. The structure of the book provides a logical progression through tools, concepts information and examples. This is a must-have purchase for all conservators, curators and administrators of historic artifacts at both student and professional level. This is a pioneering book on this subject. It offers guidance on reduction of risk to exhibits. The author is the Head of Conservation at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Review:
'Risk Assessment for Objects Conservation is an excellent book that fills an important gap in the conservation literature. The beauty of this book is that while some of the reader's assumptions about conservation in museums will be confronted at no point is the reader made to feel that s/he has been on the wrong track. Rather, this new way of looking at the problem provides a very elegant and informative model with which to put the rules of collections care into context.' Museum National This book offers tremendous value to anyone involved in applying for money for conservation.' New Heritage Magazine The success of this book lies in its content and the way that the content is communicated. This is a book which will be of great value to many different levels of museum staff. It should be in every conservation studio and on the bookshelves of every museum director. It should also be read by anyone who is involved in finacing the arts. Papier Restaurierung

Table of Contents:
The Conservation Connection; A Rough Guide to Risk; Tricky Decisions; The Model Museum; Costs and Benefits; Value; Definitions of Damage; Calculated Risk; Big Trouble; Chemical Reaction; Physical Effect; Light Entertainment; The Things People Do; Travelling Shows; Ethics and Intervention; Purpose and Presentation; Expert Advice.