Appropriate technologies for relative humidity control for museum collections housed in historic buildings

Staniforth, Sarah; Hayes, Bob; Bullock, Linda

Appropriate technologies for relative humidity control for museum collections housed in historic buildings

Resource type

Journal article

Creator (person)

Staniforth, Sarah

Hayes, Bob

Bullock, Linda

Date published

December 13, 2013

Abstract

The care of artifacts sensitive to relative humidity (RH) in historic buildings requires a different approach to that of collections housed in buildings which have been designed as museums. Consideration of the welfare of the building is as important as the care of the collection. The National Trust is also concerned about the effects of its properties on the wider environment, and works with limited financial resources. These many factors have resulted in the National Trust adapting standard museum practice for relative humidity control to the needs of historic buildings. Heating systems are operated on RH-priority, and dehumidification is used in storage areas. Electronic monitoring and control systems have been introduced. Good management and staff training procedures are essential if environmental control is to be successful.