Exhibition

When preparing specimens specifically for exhibition purposes the preparator will be able to present the block in such a way to ensure stability on display.  For specimens that have been previously prepared for research, some additional preparation work may be necessary to make the fossils ‘readable’ by the untrained eye.

Preparators have good insight into the stability and preservation of fossils.  When there are multiple examples of a particular specimen the preparator can help determine which ones will best be able to withstand the rigors of the exhibition process. This may be particularly important if the exhibition will be traveling to multiple venues, required installation, deinstallation, and shipping of specimens.

Before exhibition, the fossil may need to be treated to remove coatings that have discolored or flaked. Catalog and other numbers may have to be relocated in less prominent locations, and specimens that have been damaged or deteriorated over time will require repair. Preparators’ in-depth knowledge of the aging properties of glues and coatings and specimen labeling makes them ideally suited to handle this work. Visit the pages on adhesives and consolidants and labeling to access the in-depth resources on these topics.

For various reasons, it may be necessary to exhibit a cast of a specimen rather than the actual fossil. As with all molding and casting of original material, there is a risk of damage to the specimen. For this reason the molding and casting of fossils is usually handled by a fossil preparator.

Before a fossil can be exhibited, it usually needs to be placed on a mount or a supporting framework (known as an armature). The weight and fragility of fossil specimens makes this a particularly challenging task, especially if the fossils also need to be packed, shipped, and installed for the exhibit to travel to multiple venues. Mount design is another area where preparators have an important role to play. Many of the techniques employed are drawn from the literature developed by art conservators, including:

• Techniques for safe pinning and doweling (e.g., using stainless steel or titanium rather than iron pins or wire hangers)
• Archival materials for long-term display
• Designing mounts to safely withstand seismic activity
• Designs for safe crating and transport

Specimens in an exhibit that travels to multiple venues will require condition reports. These reports are checked after the crates have been opened to ensure that the specimen arrived without damage. They are checked again at the end of the exhibition before packing to ensure that the specimen is in good condition and will be able to withstand travel. Preparators work with other museum staff, including conservators, collection managers, and registrars to ensure standardization of reporting methods.