Surveys
A survey is often a useful step in defining areas of concern and targeting new projects, as a museum grows and professionalizes. A general survey is conducted by a conservator who comes on-site and makes a broad evaluation of the institution's needs for their textile collection. This type of survey is intended to offer practical suggestions for improving museum storage and exhibit spaces and can encompass suggestions on all aspects of collections management. A conservator may examine the temperature, relative humidity, pollution and light levels, housekeeping practices, approaches to pest control and fire suppression, security and disaster preparedness. The site visit includes interviews with relevant staff and is followed up with a written report which makes recommendations for prioritizing improvements in general care for the collection. A more specific object-by-object survey approach is suitable for museums concentrating on a discreet collection and wishing to establish treatment priorities for individual textiles. This survey culminates with proposed treatment reports and cost estimates for the eventual conservation of selected items. Both kinds of surveys can provide a professional fund raising tool.
A survey is often a useful step in defining areas of concern and targeting new projects, as a museum grows and professionalizes. A general survey is conducted by a conservator who comes on-site and makes a broad evaluation of the institution's needs for their textile collection. This type of survey is intended to offer practical suggestions for improving museum storage and exhibit spaces and can encompass suggestions on all aspects of collections management. A conservator may examine the temperature, relative humidity, pollution and light levels, housekeeping practices, approaches to pest control and fire suppression, security and disaster preparedness. The site visit includes interviews with relevant staff and is followed up with a written report which makes recommendations for prioritizing improvements in general care for the collection. A more specific object-by-object survey approach is suitable for museums concentrating on a discreet collection and wishing to establish treatment priorities for individual textiles. This survey culminates with proposed treatment reports and cost estimates for the eventual conservation of selected items. Both kinds of surveys can provide a professional fund raising tool.
Public exhibit area Epirotic Folkloric Museum, Astoria NY
John Jay Homestead, a local historic house museum that has engaged a community of outside, contracted textile experts.