Caring for Plastics in Collections – Any collections after 1890 will have ever-increasing numbers of objects made of polymers. This presentation will help you understand what constitutes a plastic, the basic chemistry, and how plastic is made. We will talk about the most common plastics found in museum collections and their properties and discuss best practices for care, handling, storage, and exhibition of plastics. This workshop led by Objects Conservator Claire Curran, will be created using a revised, preexisting curriculum. Participants may bring an object for discussion. This presentation is geared towards the staff of museums and other collection stewards that would like to know more about the plastics in their collections and how to care for them.
