BS EN 17138:2018

This standard BS EN 17138:2018 Conservation of Cultural Heritage. Methods and materials for cleaning porous inorganic materials is classified in these ICS categories:

• 97.195 Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage

This document provides the guidelines for the choice of the operational cleaning technical specifications in order to optimize the cleaning operation. The fundamental requirements for each specific cleaning method are given as to adapt cleaning works for single specific cases. The objective of cleaning may consist of removal of any combination of unwanted materials, such as: degraded protective coatings, surface or near-surface materials, which constitute a present or future threat to conservation, materials which prevent legibility of the object or are disfiguring by nature, deposits which are judged to be incompatible to the historical nature of the object.

BS EN 17138:2018 - Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Standard Number: BS EN 17138:2018

Pages: 64

Release Date: January 14, 2019

ISBN: 978 0 580 98235 4

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 17138:2018 standard is an essential guide for professionals involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. This comprehensive document provides detailed methods and materials specifically designed for cleaning porous inorganic materials, ensuring the preservation and protection of invaluable historical artifacts and structures.

Purpose and Importance

Conserving cultural heritage is a delicate and crucial task that requires precision and expertise. The BS EN 17138:2018 standard serves as a vital resource for conservators, offering scientifically-backed methods to clean and maintain porous inorganic materials without causing damage. This standard is indispensable for museums, historical sites, and conservation professionals dedicated to preserving our cultural legacy for future generations.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard provides a thorough set of guidelines for cleaning porous inorganic materials, ensuring that conservators have access to the best practices in the field.
• Scientific Approach: Each method outlined in the standard is based on scientific research and practical experience, ensuring effective and safe cleaning processes.
• Material Compatibility: The document includes detailed information on the compatibility of various cleaning materials with different types of porous inorganic substrates, helping to prevent any adverse reactions.
• Preservation Focus: Emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage items while performing cleaning operations.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in the conservation of cultural heritage, including:

• Conservators and restoration specialists
• Museum curators and staff
• Archaeologists and historians
• Architects and engineers working on historical buildings
• Students and researchers in conservation studies

Benefits of Using BS EN 17138:2018

Implementing the guidelines and methods outlined in the BS EN 17138:2018 standard offers numerous benefits, such as:

• Enhanced Preservation: By following the recommended practices, conservators can significantly enhance the longevity and integrity of cultural heritage items.
• Risk Mitigation: The standard helps minimize the risk of damage during cleaning processes, ensuring that valuable artifacts remain intact.
• Professional Credibility: Adhering to recognized standards enhances the credibility and professionalism of conservation efforts.
• Resource Efficiency: Provides efficient methods that optimize the use of resources, reducing waste and unnecessary expenditure.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17138:2018 standard is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. Its detailed guidelines and scientifically-backed methods ensure that porous inorganic materials are cleaned effectively and safely, preserving the cultural and historical significance of these items. By adopting this standard, professionals can contribute to the safeguarding of our shared heritage, ensuring that it remains accessible and intact for future generations to appreciate and learn from.