A unique forum of how-to advice for novices and experts alike.

Cherished objects and family heirlooms hold a special place in our lives. Whether they are personal letters, grandmother’s silverware, or the favorite stuffed animal from your childhood, these items all have significance and are part of your cultural heritage. Caring for Your Cherished Objects: The Winterthur Guide provides practical information about what you should and shouldn’t do to prolong the life of your objects, including advice about proper storage and display. The book will help you to assess your possessions, understand which objects are most vulnerable, and avoid the situations that will put them at more risk. Illustrations demonstrate the kinds of problems you may see on your own items or warning signs that indicate that some sort of action—whether preventive, conservative, or restorative—is warranted. Learn the difference between those terms. Sidebars in each chapter address the science behind the whys and hows to caring for the wide range of specific kinds of objects covered—from ephemera, documents, books, works of art on paper, photographs, and organic objects to textiles, ceramics, glass, metal objects, furniture, and frames. Included are the procedures that can be safely done by an owner as well as those that require the services of conservation professionals. So that you aren’t left to wander the Internet, a Resources section provides a list of reliable professional organizations as well as suggested readings, websites, and lists of suppliers to aid you in caring for your cherished objects. The authors of Caring for Your Cherished Objects are highly trained, experienced experts who have cared for thousands of precious objects and have a passion for the topic. In addition to caring for the collection at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, they teach, consult, and lecture on the care of cultural heritage to students, professionals, and the public.

The Winterthur Guide to Caring for Your Collection provides readers with answers on how to care for the objects they value. With chapters devoted to media ranging paper and photographs to metalwork and textiles, the book presents a lucid approach to teaching the practical skills of conservation -- what to do and what not to do.

"The purpose of this book is to provide practical information so that you can care for your objects in an informed manner. The first line of defense is always preventive conservation. Knowing what you should and shouldn't do is crucial. Knowledge of materials is also of paramount importance in helping you understand how objects change over time and what the susceptibilities to damage might be. Finally, advice about proper storage and display will aid in providing an environment that is conducive to prolonging the life of your objects. Also included in our discussions are the procedures that can be safely done by an owner as well as those that require the services of conservation professionals"--

Written in accessible, nontechnical language, this book's twenty-three essays provide invaluable conservation guidelines for a variety of materials and media. Focusing also on proper storage techniques and environmental control, contributors offer information on emergency planning, disaster management, and identifying damages that may require professional treatment.

The story of Henry du Pont and the museum of Americana he envisioned.