Applying accession numbers

Applying labels to art and collection objects

Number-why?

• Identify • Distinguish • Unique number – accessibility of information – easy filing of information

What to include for identification

• Write number on object • Identifying with images • Include accession number in image

Things to remember

• Objects are unique and maybe made of 1. just one medium/material/component 2. more than one material/medium/component • Select more durable material/part for labelling • If all materials fragile use alternative method e.g. tie on label

Things to remember

• Inform all staff about common label location • Remember mistakes cannot be reversed without damage to object • Practice method on non collection object first

Selection of materials

• For objects made from a single medium use methods below • For object made of mixed media select method to suit the most durable component • To minimise handling and easy access create a set criteria for location – e.g. 1.On the reverse at bottom right hand corner – 2.for textiles on the seam hem next to left side seam Note: take selection of materials and location very seriously as these become permanent

Your tool kit- materials for labelling

• Artline drawing system pen (black) • Woven cotton tag or ribbon • Artline paint marker (white) • Tyvek numbered label • Pentel hybrid gel (white) • Petroleum spirits • Acetone • Graphite pencils HB (firm) and 2B (softer) • Schwan Stabilo wax pencil • Mylar sheet

Your tool kit- materials for labelling

• Paraloid B-67(15% in petroleum spirits) • Japanese tissue. Use well matted and smooth tissue, approx. 22 gsm • Paraloid B-72 (20% in acetone) • Distilled water • Paraloid B-72 in (20% in ethanol - optional • Plextol B500 20% in distilled water • Note: Product formulation and content may vary from stock to stock which could may alter the performance of the product. Ensure that all work carried out is checked and evaluated so you can use materials suitable for your specific needs.

1:Pencil method

• Suitable for : Paper, albums, books posters and prints • Method: First test on sample paper – Clean surface with soft clean brush – Select suitable pencil for paper type. Soft graphite for soft surface and harder for firmer paper – Use minimum required pressure – Check number is correct

2.Wax pencil

• Suitable for coated paper, boards, photographs and waxed material • Method: • Same as method 1 above but use a wax pencil instead of graphite • Use Schwan stailo 8046 wax pencil or schwan stabilo 8052 wax pencil

3.Tissue Method

• Suitable for Firm surfaces such as wood, stone, leather, coated metals, unglazed ceramics and furniture • Application method 1. Clean object surface with soft, clean brush 2. Cut or tear required amount of Japanese tissue and place on small sheet of mylar

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Apply base coat of 20% paraloid B72 in acetone to tissue strip avoiding edges. Allow to dry Write number on label using artline drawing system pen or artline paint marker. Allow to dry Apply top coat of 15% paraloid B67 in petroleum spirit over label. Allow to dry.

Remove from mylar sheet Apply 20% plextol B500 in distilled water to label underside and place in position on object Press firmly and evenly to ensure adhesion

4. Paraloid method

• Suitable for hard surfaces like stone, ceramics, glass and uncoated metals • Application method: – Clean surface with soft clean brush – Test area with swabs dabbed in acetone and petroleum spirits. I f any colour or surface lifts off use tissue/tie method else proceed.

– Apply base coat of 20% paraloid B72 in acetone to object surface and allow to dry for 30 minutes. Be careful not to drip adhesive on other parts of object

• Write accession number on top of base coat with artline drawing system pen or artline paint marker. Ensure no ink leaks out of base coat. Allow to dry.

• Apply top coat of 15% Paraloid B67 in petroleum spirit carefully in one stroke , avoiding any drips or smears.

• Note: For coated painted metals both layers can be B67 in pet. spirits

5.Tie on label

• Suitable for most object as long as they have place to tie on. Only method suitable for plastics, vinyl, rubber and other modern materials • Application method: – A tyvek or acid free paper label is attached to the object with a cotton tape or ribbon tie.

– Tyvek can be marked directly with pencil – Alternatively coat tyvek with Paraloid B72 in ethanol, allow to dry and write label with artline drawing system pen or atrline paint marker

6. Cloth/tape

• Suitable for a variety of objects such as cloaks, fans, baskets, rugs, textiles, costumes , lace and tapestries • Application method – Pre wash all labelling tape/cloth in distilled water – Flatten out and write label usinf an artline drawing system or artline paint marker. Allow to dry

• Turn in raw edges and sew with small running stitch .

• Place on object and holding needle at right angles to object sew label to object. Donot pierce any weave threads • Try to choose soft cotton thread of colour similar to object.

When all the above don’t work!

• Document object very clearly and extensively with images. • Photograph number with object for referral • File hard copies with object and also save digitally in safe location.