Exhibit Maintenance
Upon entering the rooms of the museum, visitors to the exhibition can literally feel the document preservation process: at 66.2° F (19° C), the air is cool. Furthermore, it is noticeably darker, as the papers displayed in the literature museums of the DLA are illuminated at 50 lux. These measures are necessary in order to not only decelerate aging processes due to light and temperature, but also to reduce the irreversible fading of sensitive writing and painting materials.
A further chief task in the care of permanent or temporary exhibits occurs during their mounting for display. Ideally, this mounting is unobtrusive and never places any burden on the original; it protects against mechanical damage and provides for easy removal. When bound books and notebooks are presented opened, they require transparent book supports made of age-resistant plastics. Each support is individually fitted to the page of the exhibit that is to be presented. When objects are to be hung in the LiMo, they are attached by small aids, such as photo mounting corners on flat sheets of Plexiglas. Facsimiles are produced in the cases of objects that are not suitable for exhibition due to their fragile condition or light sensitivity. These resemble their originals to the greatest possible extent. In this way, the DLA fulfills the responsibility to ensure the long-term preservation of letters, photographs and graphics, among other items, in their current condition.
Contact
Enke Huhsmann, Restorer
Preservation of Holdings Consultant
Telephone +49 (0) 7144 / 848-160
Telefax +49 (0) 7144 / 848-190
Email enke.huhsmann@dla-marbach.de
