An environmental study of the storage area within the National Museum of Archaeology

Abstract

The National Museum of Archaeology, houses most of the Maltese archaeological collection, consisting of a large range of artefacts, most of which are found within the reserve collection and are not currently on display. Although the collection consists of both organic and inorganic materials, solely the inorganic materials will be taken into consideration. This study aims to investigate the present environmental conditions within the storage rooms, through internal data-logging and external weather records, as well as the state of preservation of the storage area, and their effect on the artefacts. The previous environments in which the artefacts were found, as well as the treatments they have been subject to, will also be taken into consideration. Together with data collected through environmental monitoring of temperature and relative humidity, a holistic imagine of what the artefacts have been subject to will be created. This will help the author understand what the main possible deterioration factors consist of. Further research regarding recommendations based on literature helped the author to devise proposals in order to improve the environment of the artefacts, to retard their deterioration. Through the data collected from the environmental monitoring, it has been concluded that the mezzanine floor has a more stable environment than that of the first floor. Hence a possible solution for the collection would be to transfer the artefacts from the first floor to the mezzanine, by transferring the conservation laboratory (Room C) to the first floor and converting the conservation laboratory (Room C) and the adjacent room (Room D) into more storage space, following the removal of the artefacts to be placed on display. This of course must be accompanied by the replacement of apertures where necessary, proper storage practices and maintenance.