Preparation and Exhibition

Preparation

The level of preparation will be determined by the goal for that particular specimen and is usually undertaken with a specific aim in mind. This may be a research goal e.g. to expose features for identification or for further study. Alternatively, the specimen may be prepared for exhibition; depending on the nature of the fossil, this could involve leaving the specimen partially embedded in matrix, or completely removing the matrix and mounting the fossil on a supporting armature. Preparation can irrevocably ruin a specimen and, as a result, should only be conducted by someone who understands the specimen, the materials they are working with and the techniques available to them.

For more information, access our Fossil Preparation pages. 

Preparation While on Loan

In order to carry out a particular program of research on a fossil, it may be necessary to carry out additional preparation. If this is the case the institution must decide whether to allow visiting researchers or borrowers to undertake this preparation at their home institution. In order to have all of the relevant information required to make this decision, the researcher should be asked to submit a formal proposal which covers the following points:

• The purpose of the research and its scientific merit
• The specimen(s) to be prepared
• The proposed method of preparation
• Evidence of the researcher’s competence, or access to a trained preparator, including proven experience in preparing the material under request
• Why the specimens in question are essential to the study

Generally, all products of preparation, e.g., matrix, samples, acid preparation residues, SEM stubs, thin sections, are regarded as part of the specimen and must be returned with it. The borrower should also provide a fully illustrated condition and preparation report describing the work undertaken on the object.

Exhibition

The power of real objects to inspire and inform, and their importance to the educational mission of a museum, is the main reason that museums put their fossils on display. This outweighs the risk of damage to, or loss of specimens and the limitations placed on their accessibility for research.

Exhibitions present particular challenges for managers of paleontology collections. The best specimens for exhibit are often the same ones that are most heavily used for research – i.e., the most complete. These conflicting demands can be particularly problematic if the exhibition is being sent out on tour. The weight and fragility of fossil specimens makes them especially challenging to mount on armatures, and difficult to pack, ship, and install if the exhibit travels to multiple venues. Finally, development of displays and exhibitions is time-intensive for staff and can be expensive.

An experienced exhibition designer can minimize some of the damage that can occur to specimens on display from common factors such as light, armatures or mounts, touching by visitors and dust and debris. It is advisable to have an Exhibition Policy to help guide decision-making in the exhibition of specimens such as:

• Selection of appropriate specimens
• Assessment of preparation/conservation needs
• Preparation, replicating, and/or mounting
• Liaison with registrars and shippers
• Condition reporting
• Installation and deinstallation

Managing Exhibition of Fossil Specimens

To help decide whether it is appropriate to include a particular fossil specimen in an exhibition, the following information should be collected and assessed by a curator, collection manager, or conservator:

• The proposed opening date of the show and its duration
• The number and scope of the specimens to be involved, whether type specimens are requested, potential risks to specimens, and the potential impacts on other collection objectives (e.g., research, education, etc.)
• If the exhibit is traveling, the number of venues included
• Who will undertake any preparation, replicating, or mounting work required, and how will the specimens be protected during shipping
• Who will undertake condition reports
• Who will be responsible for selecting a shipper
• Any specific transport or security issues or risks
• Whether staff will be expected to travel with the show, or be necessary to facilitate specimen safety