Wooden objects in museums: Managing biodeterioration situation

Abstract

In this article we discuss the situation concerning biodeterioration in museums. For example we consider the collections of the Estonian National Museum (ENM). The Estonian National Museum in Tartu is a national museum charged with responsibility for, amongst other things, the preservation of a great number of wooden objects. Wood is represented in the ENM collections in furniture, working tools, household utensils, basketry etc. To study the condition and damaging factors of wooden objects, a collections survey was performed. Many wooden objects in the EMN collections have been found to suffer from varying degrees of insect and fungal deterioration. The biodeterioration of objects provides information about their previous environmental conditions and the use patterns of these objects. The actual biodeterioration situation in the storerooms of the ENM is continuously monitored and managed. The risk of biodeterioration of wooden objects is small but nevertheless present. The need for integrated pest management supported by well-managed information is important in collecting institutions.