Preventive conservation is an important part of collection care, and I have been periodically involved with the Kyffin Williams bequest since it arrived at the Library. Working on this collection of artwork has been an interesting and enjoyable challenge.
Art works are sensitive to environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, light and ultraviolet light. They require good storage environments that protect them from such damaging processes. The Kyffin bequest is no different, in that it requires such a protective environment, as well as a considerable amount of storage space.
Finding a storage area that met all environmental and security criteria was a priority. With a large collection of books being relocated within the Library it became possible to modify the storage area, adapting a number of the mobile shelving units (on a limited budget).
This was done with the help of colleagues from the building facilities department. The mobile shelving units being modified by adding metal mesh panels, onto which the collection could be hung. This process is reversible and if required could be returned to being used as a book store in future years.
Pam Small