Artifacts: Metal, Wood, Glass

Artifacts

Ceramics and Glass

Caring for Your Ceramics and Glass Objects

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

This guide is one of almost a dozen summary resources on the care of family heirlooms and works of art made available by AIC, a national membership organization for conservation professionals. It begins with a brief discussion on ceramic classification and continues with recommendations for handling, storage and display, cleaning practices, and dealing with old repairs and restorations.

The Care and Preservation of Glass and Ceramics

The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center has developed several Preservation Fact Sheets, including this one on glass and ceramics. This resource provides information on causes of deterioration and guidelines for care, including supplies the Benson Ford Research Center currently uses.

Metal

Caring for Your Metal Objects

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

This guide is one of almost a dozen summary resources on the care of family heirlooms and works of art made available by AIC, a national membership organization for conservation professionals. It is a general discussion of all metal objects, and includes information on proper cleaning and handling procedures, as well as recommendations for storage and display.

The Care and Preservation of Historical Silver

The Henry Ford

This Preservation Fact Sheet from The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center focuses specifically on historic silver pieces. It details not only identifying silver objects and causes of their deterioration, but also offers some possible polishing options, including the polish recipe used most frequently by staff.

The Care and Preservation of Historical Brass and Bronze

The Henry Ford

This Preservation Fact Sheet from The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center gives an overview of the care of historical brass and bronze objects. It offers information on distinguishing between safe and harmful corrosion, and suggestions for cleaning, degreasing, polishing, and coating artifacts. It does not discuss problems associated with archaeological metals, nor outdoor bronze sculptures.

The Care and Preservation of Historical Iron

The Henry Ford

This Preservation Fact Sheet from The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center gives an overview of the care of historical iron. It offers information on types of corrosion, and suggestions for cleaning, degreasing, corrosion removal, polishing, and coating artifacts. It does not discuss problems associated with archaeological metals, either from land or marine sites.

Wood and Furniture

The Care and Preservation of Furniture and Wooden Objects

The Henry Ford

This Preservation Fact Sheet from The Henry Ford, Benson Ford Research Center gives an overview of the care of furniture and wooden objects. It provides tips on moving furniture, recommended environmental conditions, suggestions for cleaning, and gives a brief of common wood pests.

Caring for Furniture

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

This guide is one of almost a dozen summary resources on the care of family heirlooms and works of art made available by AIC, a national membership organization for conservation professionals. It offers suggestions for the storage and display of furniture, as well as its cleaning and handling, and signs of possible insect activity.

Furniture Care and Handling

Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute

This 17-page booklet from the Smithsonian MCI focuses on caring for wooden furniture and minimizing preventable damage. It includes both general and type-specific information on handling and moving furniture, as well as the maintenance of metal hardware.