Hi all,

A museum I work with is considering purchasing an external metal storage
container to house museum collections. I'd appreciate your thoughts
regarding this. My advice so far:

*Fit-out / storage materials *

Consider acquiring the following:

   - Mesh wall racks, two or three approx - especially for tools / larger
   items - this will free up a lot of space
   - Conservation grade pallets for floor storage - for large items.
   - Plan chest or integrated roller racking drawers - for existing archive.
   - If wooden in construction seal any wooden components with sealant (you
   have mentioned a metal container, so this would be less of an issue)
   - Make sure walls are insulated otherwise your bills are going to be
   nasty - happy to advise
   - Flooring: soft plywood only - avoid other types of wood.
   - Avoid windows.
   - Storage racking - consider load bearing for lower shelves.
   - Pad the shelves in both stores with Plastazote
   - Consider purchasing a surplus of boxes / packing material suitable for
   archaeological collections.
   - Make sure there is plenty of room for movement and expansion! (at
   least 1/3 surplice floorspace / empty shelving).
   - Fire detection / suppression - install smoke detector - link to main
   system - sprinkler will be unlikely - ensure fire extinguisher in place.

*Environmental controls*

   - Strategically select what items are to go in this store.
   - Archaeological metalwork should remain stable in 19-30%RH. You can use
   conservation heating to achieve this.
   - Ultimately it's about the microclimate you can create for the types of
   metals in the collection - happy to advise.
   - Makes sure you have 24/7 electricity, a thermostat controlled heater
   and an optional dehumidifier able to be connected to plumbing, or have an
   exhaust drilled through wall.
   - Consider purchasing some inexpensive dataloggers.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

--
Robin Patel
Ergadia Museums & Heritage
t: 01786 860 691
m: 07815 312 562
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https://ergadiaheritage.com/

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