Session B1
Tracks
Track B: Innovation, sustainable conservation and the next generation.
| Wednesday, August 27, 2025 |
| 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM |
Overview
Workshop
Chair: TBC
Get up, stand up: simple clear supports for temporary exhibitions
Mrs Victoria Stevens, Subject Lead Tutor, Books Programme West Dean College Of Arts, Design Craft and Conservation
Chair: TBC
Get up, stand up: simple clear supports for temporary exhibitions
Mrs Victoria Stevens, Subject Lead Tutor, Books Programme West Dean College Of Arts, Design Craft and Conservation
Speaker
Mrs Victoria Stevens
Subject Lead Tutor, Books and Library Materials Programme
West Dean College Of Arts, Design Craft and Conservation
Get up, stand up: simple clear supports for temporary exhibitions
12:15 PM - 1:15 PMAbstract
The use of acrylics, such as Perspex, to create temporary exhibition stands is costly, both financially and in terms of its poor sustainability credentials. An alternative is offered in Vivak™, one of the trade names for polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or PETG, sheeting.
PETG is a thermoplastic used extensively used in food packaging. It is transparent, fully recyclable and is able to be shaped using simple, easily available tools. It is manufactured in a variety of sheet thicknesses making it highly versatile and flexible in its application. Furthermore, it can be adhered with commonly available conservation adhesives such as Paraloid B72™.
This workshop will take participants through some of the options for using this material specifically for supporting archive material when on display. Each participant will create a small upright stand, a document slope and a display cube. The session will also demonstrate the use of Vivak™ as a transparent and flexible holding material for bound material when on display.
PETG is a thermoplastic used extensively used in food packaging. It is transparent, fully recyclable and is able to be shaped using simple, easily available tools. It is manufactured in a variety of sheet thicknesses making it highly versatile and flexible in its application. Furthermore, it can be adhered with commonly available conservation adhesives such as Paraloid B72™.
This workshop will take participants through some of the options for using this material specifically for supporting archive material when on display. Each participant will create a small upright stand, a document slope and a display cube. The session will also demonstrate the use of Vivak™ as a transparent and flexible holding material for bound material when on display.
Biography
I have worked in heritage collections for over 25 years, mainly as a written heritage conservator and collections care adviser but latterly as a learning and engagement lead, a perfect complement to my overall collections work. As well as being the current Subject Lead for Books and Library Materials at West Dean College of Arts, Design, Crafts and Conservation I am a sessional tutor on the Archives and Records Management course at University College London. Developing the potential of students and providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their chosen direction is a huge privilege.
I am very proud to be a strong advocate for the heritage profession: I currently serve not only as a Trustee of the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust but also as an Arts Council Museum accreditation mentor and an Institute of Conservation accreditation assessor. I am a committee member and assessor for the Archive and Records Association’s Archives Training Scheme and sit on the Fabric Advisory Committee of Hereford Cathedral as their conservation adviser.
