Professional conservators in practice
Conservation of Plastics

14-17 JULY 2008
Conservation of plastics
PC7810
COURSE LEADER:  Thea van Oosten

Plastics are found in ethnographical and textile collections imitating precious materials like ivory, tortoiseshell and amber, in modern art collections of three-dimensional non-traditional art, in collections of household goods and in collections of scientific equipment.  Plastics are increasingly found in museum collections.
How do we deal with plastic and plastic objects in collections? Can we identify plastics or different types of plastic, as this is a relatively new material?  There are guidelines for the passive conservation of plastics, but the active conservation of plastics still has to be developed. The aim of the course is to acquaint conservators, conservation scientists and restorers with the current state of knowledge regarding identification, degradation and conservation of plastics as used in our cultural heritage.

Non-residential fee: £380
Fully inclusive residential fees vary, please see 'Dates and Fees' section for costs and booking form.