[BCMA] A Matchbook Dilemma

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hey Tammy, 

Objects like this are tough because they could pose a problem, but are also cool, tell a story, and are not around much anymore. I would be inclined to leave them where they are, I don't think matches of that age pose much of a risk due to chemical break down. I have talked to another conservator about matches about a year ago (I can't remember who at the moment) and they said not to worry about them. They suggested keeping them in a metal box if I wanted some extra protection. In my case its only matches, not in a scrapbook. If there is plastic nearby in the book, the off gassing from the match heads might cause it to break down faster, but honestly plastic from that time period will never last. I would take lots of pictures now and maybe flag it for an assessment every 5 years. That way you can see if the paper is discolouring, or whatever damage is occurring, you can catch it before it gets too destructive. 

Good luck!

Nikki Bose
Curator of Collections
Kelowna Museums  


-----Original Message-----
From: bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca [mailto:bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca] On Behalf Of Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.
Sent: November 19, 2019 10:42 AM
To: BCMA Listserve
Subject: [BCMA] A Matchbook Dilemma

Hi, everyone,

We have recently acquired a scrapbook that, among many other things, has a few matchbooks glued into it - complete with matches. My instinct tells me that matches in a paper scrapbook is just a bad idea, but on the other hand, they have been in there for the better part of 50 years and nothing terrible has happened. Do I need to worry about them? They're not a hugely significant part of the scrapbook itself - just little souvenirs collected on international vacations, but the plane tickets and similar documents are also there, so altogether it kind of speaks to the novelty of international travel. I've thought about just cutting the heads off the matches, but it's not often we see thin, flat wooden matches like that so I also hate to destroy them...

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Tammy


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Tammy Bradford, Manager
Creston Museum
219 Devon Street, Creston BC V0B 1G3
250-428-9262