Crick Smith

In the case of small collections it may be possible to examine every object recording their condition, but with larger collections objects are examined in sample clusters based on sampling geographical locations of objects – for example their store locations.

The objective of the survey is to provide:

• A quantified assessment of the overall condition of the objects in the collection.
• Assess the stability of the collection and whether it is deteriorating.
• Provide evidence of the causes of deterioration.
• Identify the measures needed to slow or halt the process of decay.
• Provide an assessment of the resources required.
• Report the benefits to be gained from the exercise.
• Recommend priorities.

Crick Smith will provide a written report based on the condition survey, along with a spreadsheet summary in hardcopy and electronic format, recording the following attributes:

• Administrative data: including accession number, store, location, object identification.
• Description of Object: can be tailored to individual requirements but may include: name, materials, type and manufacturing process, completeness of the object or define a working object.
• Damage: normally eight general terms are sufficient to describe damage to an object: major structural damage, minor structural damage, surface damage, disfigurement, chemical deterioration, biological attack, poor old repairs, accretions.
• Condition: graded as Good, Fair, Poor or Unacceptable. Definitions of these terms are provided in the condition survey report.