From museum to film set: protecting your collection

A recent article Lights! Camera! Action! posted on the AIM website really struck a chord with the London team at Integrated Contamination Management UK (ICM UK). It is fantastic to see opportunities presenting themselves to UK museums through the film industry, as these much-loved institutions become sets for some of the biggest films and television series to be released over the past few years, and interesting to learn of the challenges that come with these events.

ICM work with many museums, treating works of art and heritage objects for insect pest eradication using a humidity-regulated warm air treatment process, and work with clients in training and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes.

Over the past year, ICM have seen an influx of projects requiring the treatment of film props on their way to museums and heritage sites. Despite the excitement and challenges filming can bring to a museum in equal measure; requesting insect eradication treatment is a clear sign that IPM programmes remain a priority for venues, and it’s great to see!

Insect pests are one of the biggest threats to museum objects, making IPM a key principle in protecting collections. Any new items brought into a building could introduce insect pests. This could be through incoming or returning exhibition loans, gallery furniture or even the crates that encase works, and film props are no different.

Props can be sought from many differing sources, so it is often unknown what environment objects are arriving from and what they could secretly be carrying. It is not always initially clear that an object is infested. Museum pests such as Clothes moth and Carpet beetle (which feed on animal-based fibres), prefer dark, undisturbed environments in which to dwell. Therefore, they’re often found hidden down the back of sofas or underneath cushions, in the centre of rolled carpets or deep inside packed boxes of textiles.

Many wood-boring museum pests such as the Furniture beetle, can tunnel through wooden objects for up to five years without ever showing any sign of their presence. ICM’s process allows for mixed materials to be treated together, from gilded and upholstered furniture, paintings and sculptures to costumes, tapestries, and taxidermy. The ICM process is fast, with completion achieved overnight; allowing for large volumes to be treated weekly. The last such project allowed the London team to treat 300+ pieces of furniture in one week – a quick stop between prop store and set.

ICM hopes the message continues to spread of the importance of having an Integrated Pest Management programme in place and how all museums can best care for their collections alongside these exciting, new opportunities.

Visit the ICM website to find out more>>