Joan,

 

There are several factors that will inform your decision.  What is the nature of the construction one floor above?  What are the risks of damage from there to the sculpture?  As you are aware, the risk of damage from moving is significant.  I have seen way too many problems with movement, even by fine arts transport specialists, than there should be.  Generally, the principals are well trained and experienced, but many times the grunt laborers are not.  Unless the risk of damage from the floor above is significant, I would think protecting the sculpture in place would be best.  You can construct a 2x6 frame around it - essentially a box - and cover it with 6 mil polyethylene sheeting for relatively little money.  If there is risk of falling debris that could be damaging, you can put plywood on the top of the frame or even the sides if necessary.  Make sure the poly sheeting is inside of the plywood (closer to the sculpture) to help block any harmful off-gassing of the plywood.  You did not say how large the sculpture is or how long it would need to be protected.  However, unless it is very large and needs long-term protection, this probably will be adequate.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Marc

American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
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     www.conservator.com
     860-386-6058

 

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From: [log in to unmask]" href="mailto:[log in to unmask]" target="_blank">Baldwin, Joan

Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 1:15 PM

To: [log in to unmask]" href="mailto:[log in to unmask]" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]

Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Wrapping a bronze

Hello,

We own one of the bronze reductions of the standing Lincoln by St. Gaudens. It sits on a base designed by McKim Mead and White. The space where the piece sits is one floor below where some construction will take place this summer. It's been recommended that we have the piece wrapped rather than moved. 

First, I'd like some advice about not moving it. I'd prefer not to move it, but which is the greater risk, staying but being wrapped, or moving somewhere nearby and then moving back? And for those who suggest wrapping it, what would you wrap it with? It sits in a climate sensitive although not climate controlled building, meaning we heat and cool to 68, but don't mix hot/cold in the shoulder seasons.

Thanks everyone.

Joan Baldwin

--

Joan H. Baldwin
Curator of Special Collections
The Hotchkiss School
11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville CT 06039
860-435-3251/3256

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