>I am having trouble finding resources to make a rational decision concerning
>our museum's large colletion of copper pots which are traditionally cleaned
>every year with an extremely abrasive cleaner. Someone suggested to members
>of the board that laquering would be a safer alternative, but I'd like to see
>that in print (by a reputable conservator.)  Any leads?

An essay in writing by conservators on "the Care and Preservation of
Historical Brass and Bronze" can be found at
http://www.hfmgv.org/histories/cis/brass.html#3d.  They bring up both
lacquering and waxing with words of their benefits and hazards.  I'll just
say that if you have any small bit of rust on iron, then waxing will not
help you.

There is also a bibliography at the end of the essay which can lead you on
to more literature.  If you're really into research, start at the resource
page at Conservation On-line (http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/).

Sally


Sally Baulch-Rhoden
Cultural History Division
Texas Memorial Museum
http://www.texasmemorialmuseum.org



Science is a Cultural Construct