Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  Treatment for old suitcases

    Posted 06-11-2022 10:31 AM

    Conservator friends,  we are planning on treating parts of our collection before moving into a new storage building.  We have numerous old suitcases, c. 1920s, and I'm wondering if they can be put in the freezer to kill potential pests, or if they need to go into the anoxic chamber?  

     

    Thank you!

     

    Paula Phipps

    Manager of Collections and Interpretation

     

     

    1600 Rockland Road

    Wilmington, DE 19803

    302-651-6966

    paula.phipps@nemours.org

     

     



  • 2.  RE: Treatment for old suitcases

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 02-01-2023 01:39 PM
    This post was removed


  • 3.  RE: Treatment for old suitcases

    Posted 02-02-2023 10:23 AM
    Hi Paula, 
    It would depend on what the suitcases are made of-- if they are wood or leather (or a composite of both) they should be fine to be wrapped and placed in the freezer. The only concern is if they are painted at all, as this may cause cracking in the paint layers due to the expansion and retraction of underlying materials, then anoxia/thermolingum is the better option. 
    Hope that helps! 
    All the best, 

    Sejal Goel

    She/Her

    Kress Fellow in Object Conservation

    sgoel@mohistory.org

    Missouri Historical Society



    ------------------------------
    Sejal Goel
    Object Conservation Fellow
    Library - Missouri Historical Society
    St Louis MO
    ------------------------------



Related Content