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IIC Round Table on Climate Change and Museum Collections
Date: 17 September 2008
Place: London, UK
The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) invites you to join the discussions at a public round table on the implications of climate change and its effects upon cultural heritage, particularly that within museums and house collections.
The round table will take place at the Sainsbury Wing Theatre of the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London on September 17, 2008, from 6:15 - 7:30 pm as part of the 22nd IIC Congress "Conservation and Access" (15-19 September in London). Seating is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first serve basis.
Introductions:
Jerry Podany
President IIC
Sarah Staniforth
Historic Properties Director, The National Trust
Moderator
Presentations:
Professor May Cassar
Director, Centre for Sustainable Heritage, University College London and AHRC/EPSRC Programme Director for Science and Heritage
Michael C. Henry
Principal Engineer/Architect with Watson and Henry Associates, New Jersey
James M. Reilly
Director, Image Permanence Institute, Rochester, New York
Professor Christina Sabbioni
Research Director, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, CNR (Italy) and Coordinator of EC Project 'Noah's Ark'
Sir Nicholas Serota
Director of Tate
The changing climate of our earth has implications that go beyond the dramatic effects of storms and rising sea levels, shifts in migratory patterns and habitats, or the potential for increased health risks from pollutants. Weather patterns and temperature variations also affect the long term preservation of the world's cultural treasures which we enjoy and which inspire us every day.
The threats that come with climate change do not just exist in the outdoor environment. The delicate and fragile treasures within our museums are also susceptible. Museum and house collections that may not have previously required environmental control may soon require such efforts to meet their preservation responsibilities. Those collections protected by environmental systems may be at greater risk if such systems are not updated and expanded in capacity. To remain effective the maintenance plans for historic buildings, public monuments, and archaeological sites will require adaptation to our changing climate.
Such needs come at great cost unless planned well in advance, and traditional solutions may ultimately directly contribute to our global climatic problems. The development of more efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable systems is now more important than ever. These issues and many others are part of this evening's dynamic discussion.
This event inaugurates a new initiative of occasional round tables led by the IIC, entitled: "Dialogues for the New Century: Round table discussions on the conservation of cultural heritage in a changing world".
Further information: http://www.iiconservation.org/congress
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