We also utilize similar cabinets to those recommended by Jasper. But we have a larger flag collection that justifies the expense. So if you only have 1 or 3 large flags/textiles it may not be worth it. However, you can also store large paper documents in them, we have a few large maps in ours. I would definitely way the price of a large cabinet vs. conservation of one flag (which returns on its investment by aiding in exhibition).
Also a word about the mesh bottom drawers. When I first started at this museum we had 2 of these cabinets with the mesh bottoms for our historic flags, some of which had been conserved. The storage space we had at that time was less then ideal and pipes ran overhead which were used to heat and cool the building. [I must also note that we didn't own the building and communication with building maintenance staff was severely lacking.] One day the pipes leaked directly overhead of these cabinets. For the most part the cabinet did its job and kept the water out but from what I've been told it was hot water so steam accumulated inside the cabinet and caused the flags to become damp. Which in light of what could have happened was minor. After the water was shut off and the floor cleaned up our Conservator recommended we open the cabinet and let the flags air dry as soon as possible and then we could assess from there. So we did.
To our horror, the maintenance staff didn't alert us or really consult with each other to make sure the pipe was fixed before someone decide to flush the pipe. In doing so they flushed the green corrosion prevention goo out and all over our open drawers and flags. While the mesh drawers would have been perfect for aiding the flags to air dry, they however also allowed the water and the green goo to drip from drawer to drawer. [side note: all of the flags then had to go back to the conservator at great expense to the museum - not the agency in charge of maintenance].
A few years ago we were able to move collections storage to a much better storage facility but couldn't take those cabinets with us [they were built in place and couldn't be relocated] for our new cabinets we opted for trays with a solid chloroplast bottom. While we are not likely to ever experience such an incident again [no water pipes overhead here], I feel confident that had the bottoms of the old cabinets been chloroplast the damage would have been limited to the top 1 maybe 2 drawers.
Just something to keep in mind if you are looking to purchase a similar cabinet.
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Katherine Owens
Curator of Collections
Missouri State Museum
Jefferson City, MO
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2018 11:25 AM
From: Lisa Petitta
Subject: preservation of flag
I am looking for ideas how to store and preserve a very fragile and in poor condition large Civil War flag.
Right now, we have it wrapped in acid free paper around a tube.
Thank you for your help
Lisa Petitta
Collections Manager
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc.
Click on the image below to support.
Honor them with your presence
4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-621-4253, Ext. 214
Lisa@soldiersandsailorshall.org
www.soldiersandsailorshall.org
