Handling Objects
Handling heritage objects with care is an important aspect of their long-term preservation. Where possible, try to avoid unnecessary handling and take a researcher to the object, rather than the object to the researcher.
- Place the object on a safe, flat, clean surface (i.e. a tray lined with Plastazote) to view it.
- Examine the object before handling, to establish strong and weak areas. Be aware that visually intact surfaces can hide fragile interiors (i.e. a piece of wood may have been tunnelled by insects).
- Evaluate the presence of hazards (i.e. toxic substances, sharp edges). If dealing with hazardous materials or if in doubt, consult Collection Care. Additional PPE can be provided.
- It is essential to display warning labels in the storage areas stating the hazards connected with risky objects.
- Do not lift objects by the handles (as these could be damaged, worn or loose) and remove any loose parts as these should be handled separately.
- Use both hands to carry one object at a time, placing them at the strongest point to support its weight. The strongest point is usually the base of the object.
Always wear nitrile gloves to handle objects as the natural salts and oils from hands can mark and damage clean surfaces. Gloves are especially important for:
- Bone and Ivory: easily damaged by finger marks, sweat and moisture from the hands
- Ceramics: unglazed (e.g. earthen ware and biscuit ware) and porous surfaces are easily stained
- Metals: corrode with exposure to moisture and salts
- Decorated surfaces: gilded leather, painting frames and furniture. Gilding may be unstable and easily come off
- Plastics: degradation products formed on the surface may be toxic
Guides by material:
Stone and Minerals
- Stone is most at risk when being set down. Make sure work surface is well padded before moving the item.
- Ensure the environment is stable- soluble salts in clay tablets react quickly when in contact with moisture, resulting in delamination and loss of object surface.
Bone and Ivory
Carved bone or ivory pieces may be very thin and fragile, and protruding decoration can be easily damaged, so please handle with care.
- Ivory is easily stained and must not be left in contact with metals such as iron, copper, brass and any coloured materials.
Ceramics and Glass
The biggest risk to glass and ceramics is breakage. Check for any points of weakness or fractures before handling, never lift the object by the handles or rim and always place items on a well-padded surface.
Ceramics may have visible fractures. Check glass for these common signs of degradation:
- Crizzling: a network of fine cracks within the glass.
- Weeping: the glass may look foggy/the surface is slightly damp or has a soapy feel.
Wood
- Wooden objects may have fragile areas that are not obvious such as well disguised old repairs or worm eaten areas.
- Furniture should not be grasped by handles, arms or carved decorations, but always handled by the base and lifted by two or more people depending on the weight.
Textiles
- Antique textiles are weaker than their modern counterpart and very sensitive to degradation during handling.
- Old fibres can lose their elasticity and become brittle; they can snap easily and regardless of appearance should be handled as if they were fragile.
Leather
- Leather objects may be thin, brittle or have a soft surface which can be easily abraded.
- Leather can be susceptible to mould: wear gloves to protect leather from micro-organisms found on hands.
- Some leather objects may have lost their flexibility: never try and bend these back into shape.
Modern Plastics
Plastic objects may be more brittle than they first appear and can shatter if bumped against a surface. Plastics maybe unstable and tend to degrade very quickly, off-gassing pollutants called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) as they age.
- Store separately to other collection items and away from excessive heat and light.
- Handle one at a time and ensure your work surface is well padded with plastazote.
- Plastics are easily scratched. Small loose plastic items may have metal components (e.g. badges). Store these individually to protect other collection items.
Metals
Metals may be stronger than other materials, but even the hardest metal can be physically damaged by inappropriate handling.
- Always handle with both hands to support the objects weight.
- Ask a colleague for help with heavy items.
- Handle with any sharp edges pointed away from you.
- Keep silver away from velvet to prevent tarnishing from off-gassing.
- Most common metals develop a coating of metal oxide (patina) as they age. This begins as a transparent layer and can become more visible as it thickens. Do not attempt to rub off the patina as it protects the metal from corrosion.
Images reproduced with the permission of The John Rylands University Librarian and Director of the University of Manchester Library. All images used on this page are licenced via CC-BY-NC-SA, for further information about each image, please follow the link in the description.
If you are interested in using any material from Special Collections please get in contact with our Reading Room staff : uml.special-collections@manchester.ac.uk
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