Caring for Your Collections

Although a vast amount of our country's art and antiques is still in private hands, most books on conservation and maintenance have been written for professional curators and museum staff members. This handy and eminently readable volume is the first comprehensive, practical care guide aimed at the average person. 118 illustrations, 50 in full color.

Written by an impressive group of conservator experts, this book is a comprehensive and practical guide to preserving collectible objects often found in the hands of the private collector. Each chapter covers a specific art form, ranging from paintings, works of art on paper, books, and photographs to furniture, textiles, ceramics and glass, metal, stone, musical instruments, and various ethnographic objects. Preventative maintenance is stressed, but the authors follow up the do's and dont's of routine care with recommendations on what to do if damage occurs, often utilizing before-and-after photos. Other issues discussed include environmental guidelines, hiring a conservator, security, appraisal, and authentication of collectibles. A list of resource organizations is provided, as are brief biographies of cited authorities. Recommended for public libraries or any collection concerned with preservation.
-Vicki Gadberry, Harris Media Ctr., Mars Hill Coll., N.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.