Non-invasive methodology for the identification of plastic pieces in museum environment – a novel approach

The preservation of modern and contemporary art and costume collections in museums requires a complete understanding of their constituent materials which are often synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers. An extraordinary amount of quality information can be gained from instrumental techniques, but some of them have the disadvantage of being destructive. This paper presents a new totally integrated non-invasive methodology, for the identification of polymers and their additives, on plastic artefacts in museums. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and in-situ FTIR-ATR (attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy) combination allowed the full characterization of the structure of thesematerials and correct identification of each one. The NMR technique applied to leached surface exudates identified unequivocally a great number of additives, exceeding the Py–GC–MS analysis of micro-fragments in number and efficiency. Additionally, in-situ FTIR-ATR provided exactly the same information of the destructive μ-FTIR about the polymer structure and confirmed the presence of some additives. Eight costume pieces (cosmetic boxes and purses), dating to the beginning of the 20th century and belonging to the Portuguese National Museum of Costume and Fashion, were correctly identified with this new integrated methodology, as beingmade of plastics derived fromcellulose acetate or cellulose nitrate polymers, contradicting the initial information that these pieces were made of Bakelite. The identification of a surprisingly large number of different additives forms an added value of this methodology and opens a perspective of a quick and better characterization of plastic artefacts in museum environments.

Art in costume design : practical suggestions for those interested in art, sewing, history and literature /

Mode of access: Internet.

Costume design; an introductory outline with aids for students and teachers

Mode of access: Internet.

Costume design; an introductory outline with aids for students and teachers,

Mode of access: Internet.

An illustration of the Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman costume; in forty outlines, with descriptions, selected, drawn & engraved,

Mary Ann Beinecke Decorative Art Collection. Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Library.

Catalogue of a collection of books on old English silver, precious stones, gems, medals, armour, jewellery, enamel, pottery, costume, furniture, and other antiquities, American and foreign /

Cover-title.

History of the Cape Mounted Riflemen : with a brief account of the colony of the Cape of Good Hope : illustrated with drawings of the standards and the costume of an officer of the corps.

Mode of access: Internet.

The mirror of the graces; or, The English lady's costume. Containing general instructions for combining elegance, simplicity, and economy with fashion in dress; hints on female accomplishments and manners; and directions for the preservation of health and beauty.

Mode of access: Internet.

A reading and reference list on costume.

Mode of access: Internet.

Cast and orchestra in full costume for Finale of Fool's Paradise, 1917

Includes dental student Frank Clifford. Note West Engineering 'Arch' and Old General Library clock tower in distance

Artistic and decorative stencilling : a practical manual on the art of stencilling on paper, wood, and textile fabrics, for home adornment and articles of dress /

Mode of access: Internet.

INTIMATE APPAREL: AN EXPLORATION OF COSTUME DESIGN IDEAS AND PROCESS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND’S DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE, DANCE AND PERFORMING 2015 PRODUCTION

The following thesis navigates the primary artistic concept, design process and execution of Marchlena Rodgers’ costume design for the University of Maryland’s production of Intimate Apparel. Intimate Apparel opened October 9, 2015 in the University of Maryland’s Kay Theatre. The piece was written by Lynn Nottage directed by Jennifer Nelson. The set was designed by Lydia Francis, Lighting was designed by Max Doolittle.