Caring for Animal Material

Museums and Galleries must take special care of items made from animal materials because they are vulnerable to insect attack and are affected by changes in temperature and moisture levels. Air conditioning equipment is used to maintain a constant temperature in the room where the object is on display and traps to catch 'creepy crawlies' are placed nearby.

Many insects and their larvae (eggs) can damage items made from animal products. Hide, wool, feathers and fur can be attacked by the carpet beetle (one variety is called the museum beetle), fur beetle and the case bearing clothes moth amongst other creatures.

 

 

 

 

Recent conservation issues have changed people’s opinions about animal products being used in art objects. Endangered species such as elephants and coral colonies are now protected by strict laws and the use of animal products is firmly controlled.