Handling textiles, furniture, ceramics and glass objects
Handling textiles and costumes
- Examine object for areas of fragility before moving
- Support evenly across the length of the item, using a tray or custom support where possible
- Never pick up a costume by the shoulders
- If carrying a costume on a hanger, support its length by draping over arms
- If carrying a rolled textile, carry using the areas of the roller which extend beyond the length of the textile
Handling furniture
- Do not lift the object using any protruding part of the furniture, the chair arms or its back, or the table top
- Remove drawers and/or secure opening parts with cotton ties
- Secure doors with cotton ties or lock them
- Place keys in labelled bags and keep them in a safe place
- Remove any loose fittings such as finials or glass tops and wrap and move separately
- Lift chairs using the seat rail by placing hands under the seat
- Lift tables from the legs or supporting rails
Handling metals
- Use nitrile gloves to prevent tarnishing/corrosion from the oils in your hands
Handling ceramics and glass
- Remove lids
- Use disposable surgical gloves (commonly nitrile); cotton gloves make it hard to get a secure grip on slippery surfaces
You might also like …
Connecting to Collections, Objects Handling Basics, 2013 – useful discussion about when to wear gloves and what type to choose.
Heritage & Libraries Branch, Ontario Ministry of Culture, Museum Note #6: Handling Museum Objects, 2005
National Parks Service, Museum Handbook, Chapter 6: Handling, Packing and Shipping, 1999