Hi, I would suggest freezing the raw wool as soon as it gets into the building in case it has an active infestation (bring it into the building in sealed plastic bags.) Best, Emily
Emily Kaplan Conservator National Museum of the American Indian Cultural Resources Center 4220 Silver Hill Rd Suitland MD 20746 301.238.1418 fax 301.238.3201 kapl...@si.edu From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On Behalf Of Megan Mcintosh Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 4:32 PM To: pestl...@museumpests.com Subject: [pestlist] Using Raw Wool in Exhibit Space We are developing an exhibit about the woollen manufacturing industry at a small regional museum. We would like to include wool at various stages of development, starting with raw wool, to show to visitors how the machines process it. The curator is reluctant to use raw wool within the exhibit as someone told him a few years ago that it would attract pests, (though completed textile pieces are regularly displayed in the museum). Does anyone have advice on what could be done to treat raw wool so that it would not pose a threat to other artefacts in the space? If not, does anyone have ideas on how to realistically recreate wool? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Megan McIntosh (Student) Algonquin College, Applied Museum Studies
