Hi Rich – You might want to do some reading in Rodris Roth’s work on tea in Colonial America (Ms. Roth is the former Curator of the Cultural History collection at the Smithsonian and did TONS of research in this area.)  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but all indications are that tea bricks did not make it to the market in the colonies.

 

Look at it this way…it solves the problem of how to keep it intact during the exhibit!?!

Good luck with your exhibit.

Best, VivianLea

 

 

 

I have some reproductions of Revolutionary War Period tea bricks that I am considering putting into a “Touchable” display.  The problem that I foresee is that these are rather friable and over, what I suspect will be a short amount of time, they will deteriorate.  Does anyone have an idea of a non-caustic sealant or other coating that I could apply to reduce the rate of deterioration?  Would Rhoplex be the best choice or is there some, more durable coating out there.  I’d like to stay away from the acetone based adhesives like B-72 and Vinac…  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

Rich Busch

Assistant Manager of Education Collections

Associate Collections Manager of Health Sciences

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80205

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(303) 370-6071