SAMPLE CONDITION REPORTS

From The Museum of Texas Tech University

• General Condition Report - A report designed for a wide range of artifacts that
uses a checklist plus remarks to record condition issues.
• Condition Report for Fine Arts Objects - Specifically for fine arts. Uses a
narrative style.
• Originating/Ongoing Condition Report - Used to monitor the condition of an
artifact while on loan for exhibit. Additional "Ongoing" pages can be added if the
exhibit is travelling to multiple venues.

From the Museum Forms Book

• Arizona State Museum - A general-purpose form that uses a checklist format.
• Georgia Museum of Art - Specifically for two-dimensional artwork. Uses a more
structured narrative format.
• Virginia Museum of Natural History - Specific to taxidermy mounts. Includes a
very specialized checklist/grid.
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory - Specific to boats! Also
includes space to note treatments.
• Idaho State Historical Museum - Includes treatment and storage
recommendations and specialized handling instructions.
• University of Iowa Medical Museum - Used to evaluate suitability of artifacts
for loan or exhibit.

From Museum Registration Method

• MRM5 Museum - Specific to two-dimensional artwork. Uses a combination of
checklist and narrative styles.

CIOOC 211 Condition Reports:

Reporting Damage and Loss
Lubbock, TX - July 1. 2011
 tt _
catalog / accession /loan \

location

GENERAL CONOmON REPORT

MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Artifact/Type: _ Purpose of Report:

Photodocumentation (B&W /Color): . _ _ accession (dept. )
PROVENIENCE _ loan (from )
Continent & Country: _ _ inventory (dept. )
State/ Province: _ other _
Site: Feature: _
Level/Strat: Date/Time Period: _ Previous Assigned If: _

DIMENSIONS MATERIALS
Height(cm): _ Warp & Weft: _
Length/pep.th(an): _ Pile:
Width/ Diameter(cm): _ Additional Elements: _

INDrvIDUAL COMPONENTS - General (Ceramic, Stone, Etc.)

1. 5. _ 9. _
2. ~. _ 10. _
3. 7. _ 11. _
4. 8. _ 12. _

Description: Rough Sketch:

More information on reverse side

General Condition: Stability: r ri ori! y: Recommendation:

Excellent Stable _ 1 (low) Inhouse
Good Unstable 2 Conscrv ator
Fair 3 Monitor
Poor _ 4 (high) Ot/H'r _

OVFJ\ )})}»})})})
[<erort By:
 catalog / accession / loan

CONDmON REPORT
for Fine Arts Objects
MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Type of Object: . _ Purpose of Report:

Title: _ ____accession (dept. )
Artist/ Maker: ----------------- _ loan (from )
Signature/ Date: _ YES NO Where? _
Media/ Materials Used: ----.------- other
---------
_ inventory (dept. )

Support (type & materials used): _ ----------------

Framed: Backing: Hangers~ G lazin~

NO ------
YES YES _ WIRE YES
NO NO 0- RIN GS

Dimensions:

DescriptioI! ~ Rough Sketch:

r
~--

--------------------------------------

More information on reverse side

General Condition: Stability: Priority: Recommendation:

Excellent Stable 1 (low) I nhollse
Cood Unst<1ble 2 Conserviltor
F ir
<1 J Monitor
Poor 4 (high) Other _

l\l'IH)rl I~y: _ I )all'/ D<1lc Updated: . _

 MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ORIGINATING CONDITION REPORT

ill NUMBER: TTU 1959-241 OBJECT/TITLE: The Legend of

Pecos Bill

ARTIST/MAKER: Harold Van Schmidt MATERIAL: Oil on canvas, framed

DATE: 1948 DIMENSIONS: 39" x 45"

CONDITION:

Canvas loose on stretcher. Minor crackling throughout. Concentric crackling radiating

from top left corner. Stretcher mark around all edges, heaviest along bottom and
lightest along top. Small black spots on left proper sleeve, on and around moon, and
near cougar's head. Small spots of loss on stomach and near horses in right
foreground. Very minor surface dust.
FRAME: Minor chips, scratches, and wear throughout. Finish worn on all corners.
Minor fraying to fabric. Minor dust. Some tarnish and smudges to brass plaque on
reverse.

Reported by: Matt Renick Date: 4 Dee 2003

 MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

ONGOING CONDITION REPORT

ill NUMBER: TTU1959-241 OBJECT: Yon Schmidt Legend of Pecos Bill

INSTITUTION:_M_us_e_u_m_X _

CONTACT PERSON: -------------------

INCOMING CONDITION:

SIGNED: ------------
DATE:

OUTGOING CONDmON:

SIGNED: _

DATE:
 ARIZONA STATE MUSEUM ~.
i
CONDITION REPORT

Cat. Ii ---------- Object: _ Recorder: _ Datc: _

Matenals (Generdl): _

Damagc (If Known) Due tl}- Phvsical- Biol~-

__ Fire/SmokelWatcr- _ __ AbradedlWom- _ __ PastlPresent Insect Damage or Infestation"
__ Displayllntcrpretivc Programs- _ __ BrinlelDry- _ __ PastlPrcscnt Mold-
__ HandlinglShipping- _ Broken _ __ Other _
__ Storage _ __ BumedJCharre:d- _ __ Pesticide Use _
__ Othcr _ __ Crackcd _
__ Cut/SplitITcar4' _ Smell
E\;dencc of- __ FoldcdJCreascd- _ __ Chemical _
__ PrehistoriclEthnographic Deposits- _ _ Hole _ _Moldy _
__ PrehistoriclEtlmographic U~ _ __ Discolorcd_. ~ __ Other _
__ PrehistoriclEthnographic R.cpairs- _ _ Darkcncd _
__ Drawing on back
__ MinorlMajor Restoration - _ _Dye Blecding _
__ Minor /Major Repair- _ _ Fadcd _ Stability-
Other -------------- _Staincd _ Stablc
Modem Usc _ __ Distortcd _ __ UDstablc _
__ Bcnt ~ __ UDccrtain, _
Parts are- _ Crushcd _ N
Detached ----------- _Warpcd _ Gencral Condition-
__ E!Ccllcnt (pcrfect)
0
__ Missing _ __ FraycdJShrcddcd---------
__ Mo..;ng _ __ Shcdding, _ __ Good (Minimal. minor ddects)
Loose __ Weave BreakagelLoss- _ __ Fair (Many defects, but s.able)
__ Selvage BreakagelLoss- _ __ Poor (Might nced stabilization)
Q£QQsits __ Warp Breakage 1Loss- _
__ CorrosionlTamish- _ __ Weft BreakagelLoss- _ Action. Complctcd-Datc
__ Crystalline _ Wrinklcd _ __ Frozcn _
__ Encrustations _ __ Surface Damagcd _ __ Vacuumcd _
__ Marks _ __ Bucklcd1Liftcd Areas- _ Action Recommcndation-
-Dusty-------- _ChippcdlFlakcd- _
__ Nonc
__ GrcasylWa.xy- _ __ Cracklcd/Crazed- _
__ Monitor _
__ SOilcd _ __ Powdercd _
__ Finger Marks _ SCratchcd _ __ To Conscnation, _
__ Other Dcposits _ _ Spallcd _
__ Other _

Comments: _

Check conditIOns if thc:y apply, use space: at end of condition to clarify "wherc" and "what." "If used, cross out tt:nn that docs not apply. 11f20/%
REI!

- -------~-~----------
 l Georgia Museum of Art]

1.0. # REPORTED BY: DATE:

ARTIST:
TITLE:

OVERALL CONDITION (check one): Excellent Good Fair Poor

FRAME:
Losses:
Abrasions/Scratches:
Soiled/Stained:
Miters:
Other:

IMAGE:
Abrasions/Rubs:
Accretions:

Cracking:
Folds:

Tears/Rips:
Losses:

~pairs:
Foxing:
Scratches:
Soiled/Stained:

Surface Distortions (i.e. buckling):

Other:

118
.J [Virginia Museum of Natural History]

CONDITION REPORT - MOUNTED SPECIMENS Reported by: date: _

CATALOG NO. _ COMMON NAME _

PREPARATOR _ GENUSISPECIES _
PREP. NO. _ FAMILY _
NATIJRE OF SPECIMEN: _full mowlt head & shoulders __ cast other: _. _

NATIJRE OF BASE I SUPPORT: _

CONDmON of specimen _ Excellent Good Fair Poor
Condition of base Excellent Good Fair Poor _ steady wobbles

IDENTIFYING MARKSILABELS (list initials, numbers, sketch; note location on specimen)

___ tag
___ tatoo
___ other
___ none

PREPARATION REPORTS: EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS REPAIRS(rREATMENTS

__ ~prior to mounting none
___ mounting/taxidenny records _ re-attached parts
dale: _ other _
source: _

BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE CHEMICAL DAMAGE

_ none none _ powdery deposits
_ mold I mildew stains _ crystalline deposits
insects _ active inactive _ faded (foxed) odorous
type insects _ other _

PHYSICAL DAMAGE
Broken I Cracked Loose Detached G~ Dirty I Dry Holes WaIJ:Z Worn Dis- Other
Tom Dusty Damage spots colored
Ears
Antlerslhoms
Eye openings
Beaks I bills
Nose region
Mouth
Wings
Legs
Fins
Feet
Tail
Bcdy
Feathers
Hair
Base I Support

COMMENTS:

LOCATION OF SPECIMEN 121 YM1'lH . Z41uly 1990

 MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

MARITIME VESSEL - EXHIBITION MAINTENANCE REPORT

Accession Number: ------------

Name of Boat: --------------
General Condition: o good o fair o unstable

o presence of dust/dirt

o presence of mould

o visible insect activity [past or present]

(identify the location(s) on diagram)
o sample of fTass/insect obtained
o insect identified

Additional problems:

o major damage to wood _

o corrosion ofmetal _

o loose components _

o inadequate support system/cradle _

o other

Treatment carried out:

o Dry cleaning- [] brush/vacuuming

o other

o Wet cleaning - o 30 water:70 ethanol + Terrie N9 detergent

o other --------------------
o Fumigation - LJMeBr C Freezing C Other

Completed by: Date:

101
 ARTIFACT CONDITION REPORT
IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Object Person reportin~2 _
Accession number Date of report~----------------
Inventory location Photographs: BIW Neg#
Site COlor Slide #----------
--------
Physical description of object(color; construction; materials; size--LxWxH inches/cm): _

Structure: glass
ceramic
Surface decoration/attachments ----------------
metal
wood
textile
Structural damage --------------------
basket
paper Areas of insecurity/weakness _
leather

Surface: unfinished Areas of loss

varnished
painted
patina
veneer
Previous repairs/restorations _
glazed
unglazed
oiled Previous aItera tions/addi tions/modific.a tio ns
other

Condition:
Degree of damage (slight, moderate, major, extreme) _
__ dirt/grime
worn
abrasions Location of damage (draw sketch or diagram)
stained
corrosion
tarnish
__ warping
__ Shrinking
__ !laking
-powdering
holes
tears
scratches
__ bulges
cracked
rotted
__ insects/roden ts
__ mold/mildew
__ moisture damage
__ embrittlement
aa:retions
delamination
deformations
other "

97

--------------------- ..--. q
 University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Medical Museum

CONDITION REPORT

Object Number:
Object Name:
Borrower: --------------------------
----- _
_ Report Date
Value
_

Report completed by: _

Summary of Condition:

o Unsuitable for exhibition or loan o Requires Conservation Treatment"

o Minor treabnent/ cleaning required before loan
o Stable - suitable for exhibition or loan

General Description:

Dimensions: (I x w x h)

Structure com promised:

o losses oo crack(s)/split(s) o other _
o chipping/ dent(s) loose eJement(s)
o distortion(s) o embrittlement
o fragmentary o tear(s)
o restoration(s) / repair

Surface damage:
o accretion (incrustation) o foxing o restorations/ overpainting/ old adhesive
o bleeding o mold, mildew o other _
o soiled o lifting paint/ coating
o stained / discolored o insect/ pest damage
o crumbly o abrasions/ minor damage

Other:
o auxiliary attachments
o insect infestation (active)
o former treatment:
o other damage:

. C'1n.-;crvation Treatment should be pcrfonm.>d only by a profl'S-sional con.scrvator. Unk-s.s you are .1bs<1lutcly certain that
treatment or cleaning can be perfonned with no damage to the artifact. always let a cons •.'rvator do the work. ~It."ctions
ManaRement Handbook for RlJidelint.'S. 4/'fl
103
 UH.I.EC liONS \1.\N.\<;E:\IENT

MRM5 MUSEU."I

CONDITION REPORT FOR COLLECTION PAINTINGS/DRAWINGS/PRINTS

EX.\.\IISER [hrE
Priority Key
r\ IITIST Conservation Priority
1 = Object in Jeopardy
2 = Not exhibitable as is
\IEIJIU.\1 3 = Needs minor repair or cleaning
4 = Needs further evaluation
STRErUIER/I',\:-IEL SIZE 1-1 w 1:-1. 5 = Needs no work
SHEEr SIZE H w 1:-1.
Curatorial Priority
I.\I.\I;E SI ZE H w IN. 1 = Needed immediately for exhibit or loan
2 = Needed in future for exhibit or loan
FR'\,\IE/~I;\'r SIZE H w IN,
3 = May have some need at some time
SI<;.ID,HE (IIOW? WIIERE?) 4 = Object need never see light of day
5 = Potential deaccession
.\L\RKS/I..\IIELS (WII,\T? WIIERE?)

Conservation Priority 2 3 4 5
Curatorial Priority 2 3 4 5

\.Jhiler
1 il1nl I.J
.J.J A I"'.H
~.JJrller
(SIf:!,:1I1~
1),,111
:hed,s
P,dn 111loss
work
Int~·'l.llion
,\c"lic
Hrtr
Hrnk~n
1i"ld dc'Illi"iJl\I
Il1t~'s(,III'l(l
Kc..'v'
Disjoil1' nl.llni,d, i
.J ,11,.1"
Strek
Hulgc S <'
Imcum:
DESCRIPTION
(.J)(:\or,lsions
fral11~J
hc'r
hhric l1l'r
Accrcrions II REMARKS
DEFECTS
.J
::.J llanging
(;I,llin~
:\dhc"lr"d dcvi<:c's
lOudll'S
10 Iu,king
I
PPORT SUPPORT
I

.J .\1"ld
I 1, h,'r

I <II ill t""IIl/lJlU" IIN 1',/t {.

231
 ( , II I 1( I'" '.' .\1 \ '. \1.1 \ II " I

h.ls h"<:n scoop.:d '\lIt.

CONDITION REPORTING GLOSSARY
Fold: r\ turning m'lT of .lsurt:Ke 'i0 (hal it is in
Th.: ~(,lIowing He ,om.: uf [he m~lny [.:rms us.:d [0 cOlHact with itsdf The line IIf tlexing m.IY or
d.:s\.rihe conditions. may not be cre~lS.:d.

General Terms Indusion: P.mide .Iccid.:ntally bonded !II Ihe

,urfKe of.1I1 ohj.:ct during nl.lnuhcrure It'.g ..
Abrasion: A wearing :IW.I)' of [he sllrfac.: clus.:d
C':LII11ic, pLI~t ic, l.1 st meLl1. p.1p.:r).
hy 'icraping. ruhbing. grinding. ur fridion;
Loss: \Iissing .Irea or hole.
oft.:nsu p.:r fici.d.
Mildew: S.:t' mold.
Accretion: Any .:x[ernalm~H.:rial dq)mit.:d on
a SllrI:K':; often n:'iliits from huri.1I conditions Missing element: I.IISS of.ln ilH<:gLd
componenr ol~ or .In .lddition or .IPfJl·nd,l~e [()
or an:id':lHal,kpO'iits. 'iud, .Is'plashes. drips .
.In objc(t k.g .. handle, Llssd).
tlyspeLks . .:tC, (d. indusion).
Mold: Biologic.d in nat u re. l\1old or mildew
Adhesive residue: \lay he from glu~. paste. or
can he in the t~Jfln of 1(lxing; of colored. rllfr,\·.
pr.:ssure-st'nsitin: [apes.
or \\'eb-I ikesu rI:tce \.'xcrescenc.:.s; :I nd lor of
Bleeding: The 'iuffusion of ~Icolor into
mllsey odor.
.ldjac':lH mat.:ria Is: oft.:n caused hy water or
ot her soln'nts. Patina: A colored 'iurflce layer. eith~T .Ipplil'd
or n.ltllrally occllrrin~.
Chip: A dd--=ct in .1 surt:lc,: charad.:riz.:d hy Ihe
Pest damage: Sud:tce Ims. ClInnding. h ••k·s.
hr.:aking .Iway of m,lI.:ria\.
Crack: A surl:lce fr.lcwre or fissure .lcrO'iS fly specks. eec .. obviously callsnl by in,.:ces or
ot her peses.
or Ihrollgh a m.H.:rial. .:ith.:r s[raigh[-line or
Scratch: I.inear surflct' loss Jue [() :lbrasion
branching in form: no Ims is implied. A crack
with a sharp poinr.
may be described as hlind when it 'itops part
Sheen: A polish produ(ed hy handling: often
way. as hairline wh.:n it is a tiny fissure. and ~IS
OCUlrs on frelllll'nrly [ollched locllions.
open when i[ is .1 large fissu re.
Crease: A line of crushed or broken fib.:rs. Soil: r\ general t.:rl11 denoting ~Iny I1Llteri:d
that dirties. sullies. or sl11irch~'s :111ohje(!. Dust
g.:nerally made by 1()lding. A dog-car is a
is loose mil gel1eLllly ,li'irrihured on 'lirflC\.·s;
d i.lg0!ul crease .ICro" [he corn.:r of.1 p.lper.
gri m.: is ,oi I tenKiollsly h\.·ld 1111'1If1:ICl''i; :1
p~lrchnll·!H. texlile. \.·IC,
,me.lr .Ind ,I fingerprilH .Ire (~'pes ,,,"Ioul grim.:.
Delamination: :\ separation of I.lyns; splitti ng .
Dent: A d\.·ku in the surf.lce cillsed Iw.1 hlow; .-\'p.l[[er or run is the result of drinl,lropkt, or
'pLl'ihes of foreign nl.ll\.'ri~l\.
.1 simple \.IlI1cavity.
Stain: ..\ color ,h.lngc .IS.I rl'sllit I)f ,0ilil1g.
Discoloration: A p.mi,d IIr o\'<:f.1I1 chang.: in
.Idh\.·,i\'e,. pOI roidll<:. t;,od. oik C{C, :\ ditYII,,'
\.lIlor Llu,nl b~' ,Iging. lighl. or \.hemiul .lgel1[s.
'Llin is withou[ .I,fistinu hOlll1d.II'\': .1 di'lTl'[e
'1\·lIowing .Ind dafk.:ning \.,In 1I\.·cur. ,dong \\ ilh
,l.lin h.ls.1 di'lind h"lIl1d.II'\':.1 liqllid 'Llil1 h.1s
hk.l\.hing. [he li~llI<:ning IIf '1IIor .. 1111.1
flding .. 1
.1 di'\.r<:tl' hound.If\' or lid.:-lin,· rh.1f i, ,Llrk~T
1m, IIf cllior or ,I \.h.lng<: in hu\.·.
r!Lln Ihl' g"lwLd .lrl':II'" Ih.: ,uin; .1 "'1\[''1'''.1
Disjoin: .\ p.lrri.d or \.IlInpk[<: ,\.·p.lr.lIilln IIf
'Llil1 h.Is.1 d.lrkl'f ••r l11••r.: il1ll'n,,·h- , ••I••rl'd
.1 joint h.:[\\'<:<:n (WII m<:mhers ot".ln ohit'cl. .IS
\.<:I1I\'r wilhin if' gl'l1l·r.d .1f\'.1 (.f. t;"ing),
,Iislingllish.·d frllm.! (f.lck. (,·.Ir .• h<:ck, IIr ,plil.
In I11l'Ldlic sLlinil1g .. ldi.l.cl1I n1.l1l'ri.tI, ,Irl'
Distortion: .\ w.lrping IIr mis,luping IIf rh.:
,Ij,ullofl'd .), .1 rnliit I)t' 111"Ld l ••rnhi"l1.
ofigin.d ,Iup<:: ,hrink.lg'· nl.l~' o,dlr.
Tear: ,\ hrl"lk In flhfi., p.lper. Ilf IId"'r ,11l','{
Embriulcmcnt: :\ III" Ilf tll'\lhili[\ •. llI,ing
111.1t<:fi,d.1' .1 fl"ld( lit' 1"ll,j"l1 ••f II)r,i. '11.
r!w l11.lfl'ri.d I",g .. 1"I1'\.·r. f,.lrd,I11,'nl. !.-.Ifh.·r) III
'.X'c,tr: "lId:I,,· .'[')'11111, lI'ILdk ,It ",IS"" ,hi,' [II
hf<:.lk IIf ,li,illl\.·gr.If\.· \\I1"n h,'11[ IIf .1Ir1",\,
f''P''.IIl'l1 h.lndling.
Gouge::\ dd~·\.1 in Ih,· 'IIrf.lc,· \\ h"f" In.lfni.d

227
 Painting
1'.timillg I..lyas
Ground: Layer(s) of m.Herial applied to prepare
.1 surflCe r(Jr lJ.\inring; usu.dly a pigmelH in a
binding medium.
Paint layer: l.aycr(s) of colorcd pigment .lIld
binder us.:d [0 make rhe Jesign.
Varnish: A clear resinous film applied ()\'er rhe
paint layer ti)r prorccrion and ro sarurare rhe
lolors.
I'.timing Supports: l'all(l. Fabric. Board
Cradle: On a panel. a sysrem of wooJ or
mcral ribs flS[cned par.lllel [() [he graih. wirh
perpendicular sliding m.:mbers; us.:d in .In
.Irrempr [0 prevent warping
Lining: The .IJdirion of a new layer of marerial
to rhe reVt'rse of rhe original, using one of a
numher uf adhesives SlIch as wax-resin. glue.
pasre, or syntheric resins.
Strainer: A fixcd-joint, non-eXpandable,
wouden framc auxiliary supporr for t~lhric.
Stretcher: An auxiliary wooden-frame
supporr ti)r fabric rhar has one of scveral ryp.:s
of cxp.lI1dable joints to permir dimensional
enlargcmenr.
Stretcher keys: Wonden wedges uscd in rhe
slors of rhe joines of some s[ferchers rhem
mechan ieilly.
Tacking edge: The edge of a rlbric painting
supporr [har is rurneJ over and anach.:d [0
rhe s[fercher or s[faincr. usu.dly wirh r.ILks or
SLlplcs.
Painting Terms
Blanching: Irregular. ohrrusive. p.de or milky
.lrCIS in painr or varnish; nor .1,upafici.d
defeu likc hloom hur .1 ,carrering of lighr frolll
l11icroporo,i[i\."\ or ~r.lnularion in .Igcd films.
Blister: :\ ,epara[ ion he[ wccn Llyt'rs .Ippe.lri ng
.IS .In cnclosed. hubbled .lrca.
Bloom: r\ whiri,h, doudy .lppt·.ILlnce in rhc
\' Irni,h Llya dlhed by expo,urc [0 moisrure
,Ir rt..,ulring from wax-h.lst'll medi.1. SOlllerimes
\.dlnl \·(tlon,·'lcIKe.
Buckling: \V.\\'\."\ or I.lrge hulges in .1\.In\'.\.S
from 111111-unit~ml1 [erhion .lround [he ,[rt'rlher
. ,..!
'Ir ,[fain.:r. In papcr .. 1 ,ofr. con('I\'e/(l1l1\'ex
r~lndom dis[()[[ ilm. .
Chalking: Loss of a paine or .:mulsion laycr hy
powdcring off.
~
Check: Splining of wood .dong rhe grain, I
from rhe edge of a hoard or pand t~)[ a parr of j
irs lengrh. Checking is usually in rcsponse [0
n:peared dimensional change broughr on by
tlucruJrions of [.:mperarure and humidiry (d~
'plir).
Cleavage: A ~cp.trarion bcrween [he painr layers
.lIld rhe supporr producing reming (gable-like
ridges) or cupping (concavc thke~). Caused by
rhe comracrion lIf rhe supporr, tiJrcing rhe painr
layer up lI!"f[he surfal:e .
Crackle: A nerwork lIf fine cracks tiJUnd in a
variery of objecrs including painrings, lactjuers,
inlays. and ceramics. The crevice has a narrow
aperrure and ofren p.:nerrares more rhan one
laycr; rhe rifr has a rdarively wide aperrure
.Ind penerrares only a single layer. A (racrion
crackle has an ".tll igarored" parrern of complex
branching, wirh wide, disfiguring apcrrures.
Mechanical cral:ks resulring from a blow or
pressure [0 rhe revcrse. l:an cause ~Itear her-like
or radiaring crackle parrern (bulls-eye or spider
web) or rhe bcnding or creasing ofa canvas
(e.g., along [hc inner edge,s of ~rrerchcr bars).
Crazing: A fine sysrem uf crackling in a
varnish layer. usually found in .Iged films in
[hcir tlnal srages lIf drying .Ind embrirrkmenr.
Cupping: See cleange.
Dishing: A detecr in (h.: srrt'rcher CllISed hy
rhe rorque lIf.1 drawn t:lbric. If [hc ,rrcrcher
m.:mbers arc rwi,sred Ou[ of .1common plane .. 1
,ha IIl1w,j ihed ra I .lIlgle is t; Irmcd .H rhe corners.
Di,hing is .1common CIUSCof corncr wrinkles
in ,rrcrl:hed c.rn\'.hCS ref. dr.l\v).
Draw: A 10c.tI ,!i,rorrilln .1£ the corncr of.1
p.linring. marked h~' di.lgonal cOlkling from
[he corncr [O\qrd [he celHer of [hc moulH (ct:
dishing).
Fill: rhe 1l1.Hni.d lhed [0 rcpLlcc .IrC.ISof 1m,;
[h.: fill i, rhcn in-p.lilHed.
Flaki ng: I.if[ ing .llld ,omcri IIlC' I"" of /11£
.Irc.'" of (he ,urt:ICC I.I\'er.
 , I II I I t I I t I '." \ 1\'. \ ,I \ Ii'. I
t

Impa.Ho: I hickly .IPI,linl p.lin£. "t'lc'll Ililh Photography Terms

prulhHIIlU:d hru,ll\\·"rk. Ilrl'll .1 (ruuhk '11()[ Ferrot)'ping: t ;Io,,~' 1'.II~hl·' li,ull,loll rhc'
h~\.'.lus~ 'If ck.IV.I~~ or tl.lIll'1lill~ durill~ lillill~. ,"rflcl: of plwlm; rc,"llillg t'roll1 lel1~II1\'
Inpainting: \kw .lrl'.IS of p.lil1l [0 rl'Swn: (OIlULI wirh .1 ,nllHHh-'"rt:lc.:d 'IOLI~,:
d~sigll or (olm ulIHilluiry; rl'qrklnl II) .lrl'.1\ "f \'IlCIO'lIrl:. '"ch .IS plll~'l'''cr or ~I.I",
Ims. Frilling: S\'p.lr.nioll .llld lif'lill~ lit' Ii1\'
Overpainting: i\rC'a, ,>I'rl'p;lil1lill~ OVl'r I'IW!lIgr.lphil cmlll,ioll t'rlllll I hl' l'd~I:' of [hl'
l'XiSlillg origin.1I surfl(~, ,uppor£.
Split: A ruplurl: rUllllillg .1I01lg rhl' gr.lill of.1 Silvering: ShillY IIr mirrllr-likc ,Ii'lolor.niull
pi~(e: of wood froml'nd ro l'lld, usu.lIh· GIlI'l'd ill [hI: ,Iudo\\' ,Irl'.I' 0t'.1 pholo~r"l'h iL i 1ll.1~1·
by l'xrnior 11l1'Lh.llli(.d srr~" kf. dll'Lk), (.III,,'d b~'(hl' .lgillg lIf'l''(ll·"jl''· Il',idu.d ,ih-IT
Stretcher crease: :\ lr~.I\~ ur lillC uf Cr.ILb ill cOl1lpuullds.
lh~ ~roulld and p;lilll Lly~rs uf.1 l>;Iimillg Oil
Plastic Terms
fIbriL. ii)llowing Ih~ in,idl' c'dgl's ut srrl'rcha
Bubbly areas::\ [\'Pl' ofd\'(l'rillr.llioll li'lllld III
I11l'l11bl'rs or IhI: nlg~' uf Lross-I11l'l1lhl'rs,
(dlulo,\' llirLtlc' .Ind .ILl'(.I(I'.
Cause:d hy Ihe: tl~xillg uf Ih~ t;lhriL .lg.linsr Ih~
Odor: Smdl of ,"It'ur. C.lll1pllOr. I ill\'~ar, ,'Ie
l'dges of rh~sl: 111~l11b~rs,
Tenting: S~~ dl';lv;lgl:,
Producl',1 by Ihc' dl'gLld.tI iOIl ,jf L.:llulo,,' i
11[1.11.:
or ,KCl.nl: pro,IIILls. Srroll~ Ijdur illdiclll'S
Warp: 111.1 1'.1111.:1.
rh~ pLIII;lr ddi'rl1Lllillll of Ihl'
,cvCfl'dcgr;td.llioll.
,uppor! \.'.Ill'l'd hy changl's ill rdatil'l' hUl11idilY,
Oozing: Sl'\' 'IW.tlillg,
Wrinkling: Sl11all ri,lgl:s ;Ind furrows Il
Sweating:.-\ cle.lr or ,Iclio\\' uilv liqllid tilllllli
crawlillg p;lilll or v;lrni,h Glu,~d h~' illlpropl'r
Oil Ihl' 'IIrfKc of.1 dl'(ITior.llnlc-cllulm\' llilr.1I1'
111~lhoJ, or IlLilnials; usually rdalnllo .1 Ilon-
or .ILCLtlc· ohjcc!.
dryillg IlIl:diul1l .lI1d 1m, of voluml' ill lhc film
Ihrough cv.lporarioll, Textile Terms
Crocking: Ruhhillg Ot'fOfLOlor, rnlillillg ill
Paper Terms
Ih~ loss ofdYl"lutfhlll 11tHIIffihl'l',
Buckling: A ,ofl. (OIlGIVc/u)JIVI'X r.lndul11
diswrrillll, Fraying: R.I\,t'lnl or WUI'll 'pIli illdic.tlnll1\' I he'
'l'p.ILtlioll IIf Ihrl'.I,Is. C"I'\'1 i.d'," 1111Ihc' l'dgc' ,jf
Cockling: :\ "Iff. CUIlC;II'l'/U)J1VCXdj,lorriull
.1 t:.hrie
,har.I(ll'ri/nl hy pH.lIkl. rq1l'.II,·d rippks.
u,u.d Iv c'il ha 11lIriII )J1I.1Iur I ,'rr iul. Tendering::\ ,!cI.:ri'jLtli'j(1 ,,f IhrLI,1s. 11111\'

Dimpling: :\ III\.d ,Iio;rorlioll, II,u.dlv ill IiII'

uII11mOIl in ,ilk, l \lI.dll ,.Il",'d hI' lighl. h,',If.

lornl'r. 1l1.lrknll1\'.1, di,rinllll- ,lI'h.lIl· .lrl'.I: lI,'CS lit' ,.dl l11ord.IIH', ,'\I"1\lIr,' IlIl'l'I"piLlli'lll.
'
IIr.1 ,Oll1hil1.111111llit' Ih",c',
u'u.1I11- 1.lu,nll1\' !",.d .1,lh,·,i,)JI "I' IIll' '"I'P"rt
(0111\.' 'l·lllnd.lr\' '"I'pllrL Wood Terms
Draw::\ \lI1.d dj,,"rri"Il.1I I hI' ,1)rn,T. 1I1.1rkni
Allig.Horing: '1"ri,', IIfh.llllilll' ,1'.1.1" ill ,,1.1
I1\' di.lgon.1ILod..ling tl'llll1 Ii1\' c"rI1n 1"" 11',1 I.Hlli,h. Lrl'.lIil1~ till' .IPI"·,II,lnu· lIt .dli~.lIlIr
Ihl' Cl'iHn IIf [h~ 111"11111. hi,le',
Drumming::\ ("I'l' of 111.lIling lI'hl'rl' Ih~ Checking: '1lighl ~.IPl'll1g ht(lIc"'ll 11,,,,.1 ,,·11,
'UPP"rl j, ,1,lh,Tnl IHI .dl nlgc" III Ih" II IIhl,,\\' Ih,lI ,ll'.tln.1 ,1ll',kcd"j.llllllk"I,.II[dl1. 1011111,1
IlLII: dU'l" prllhk-nh 11 [ht' r,-I.lIilc' hllll1idl!l '.\hlTl' \\tHh.i j, ",lU ..
(r.li~ht
..• h..flh' dll' ~1.111l t,'I
l'c'cIII11l" 'I'" It)\\,.
,Irl 111~. ,",h .1' 111.11'.lil .11111,,1.111I.",!.
Foxing: '1111.dlIl'lIoII. hl'l'I' n. fIr Inl,!i,h hl'llll n Dnl rot: 1),',.1\ Ilf ,,·.I"'I1,·,llIllIh<'l, 111,,,1
'po" "n 1"!f'l'r: c.llhnll" 111,,1,1lIr 0' 1.IIII"n "t h\ t'lIl1~i (h.if •.ttl1"1l11h (h":\.I...:IIII~ht·ld·\\,II~li.
ir"n f'.lrri,k, In (hI' f,,!f'lT, "'.11 il1g ,I ",I( ,k"kt.'11 il1.It l' 1,I,IiI, 1"101,,,1101
\X'rinkling: \n .ll1gul.lr. clll,hnl .Iiqlllflllll, pIJ\"lllT

,'29
MUSEUM REC(STR,\ nON \tETHO()S I 'i fll EDITION

Shrinkage: A loss of mass or size in response to from incompatible metal contact.

dry relative humidity conditions. Pitting: Small, irregular, shallow pinhole-sized
losses scat-tered over the surface of metal c.lused
Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Terms
by acid conditions or resulting from the casting
Crizzling: Fine network of cracks on glass
process.
caused by hydration of the salts in the glass.
Tarnish: A dullness or blackening of a bright
Resulting from the leaching out of the excess metal surface .•
alkali (cf. devirrification. weeping).
Devitrification: Loss of transparency in glass
caused by the crystallization of the original
ingredients (cf. crizzling).
Effiorescence: Powdery or crystalline crusts
on the surface of stone, plaster, ceramics, etc.
Formed when transmigrating water'reacts with
an object's chemical makeup or extraneous
deposits from burial.
Iridescence: Color effect in glass or pottery
due to the partial decomposition of the surface
and the formation of innumerable thin scales.
resulting in an uneven, tlaky surface.
Powdering: A stone surface that is crumbling
or pulverized.
SpaJling: Shallow losses or flaking from the
surface of stone or ceramic.
Sugaring: Erosion of the surface of marble
creating a very granulated or "sugary" surface
Jppearance.
Weeping: A wet, dripping surface on glass.
C;J.used by a reaction between water and formic
acid.

Leather Terms
Hair loss: Area of loose or missing fur in
objects and garments made of pelts; often due
to pest .1ctivity or improper processing of the
hide.
Red rot: Powdery red subsrance found upon
vegetable-tanned leather objects resulting from
a chemical reaction with pollutants in the air.
Metal Terms rh,lIIks to: .1IIthors ,{Basic ConJirion Reponing:
A Handbook (Jrd rdition. Southr,lJ{rrr/ Rrgistrars
Corrosion: The chemical alteration of a metal
Association. /998): Sharon Brnnrtr. P,wlq S. Cuo . .\/ary
surface caused by agents in the environment or
r;ilt's. P,ltti A. H.lgt'r. H..lrn B. ll/g,z/ls. f:'1isr V I.tComptt'.
by reagents applied purposely. Corrosion may
Allyn I.ord. Dougl.lJ .\/cC'ush. M.mha Timissm .\/'lybrrry.
only affect an object's color and texture without Annr E. .Hotlry. Ilnd Stacry Slll'lltsky. r",wks ,z/so to
.1ltering the form (bronze disease) or it may add Richllrd D. Buc~ . .I,fargllrrt Holbrn E!1is.. 1IId to R,d.t'l
to the form. producing hard nodules nr GustS v'lrgas ,znd thr Str,ws Crntrr for c,ms/'rr'lltiol/. lI.zn·,/rd
(rust). Bimerallic (or galvanic) corrosion results UI/ivrrsity Art .~/ust'ums. jar ,ulditio11'llglnss.lry tams.

230
 ( I 'I I I I I I' I '." \ 1 \ '. I' ,I \ 1I 's I

h,ts hl'C'n ,uH'pl'd I!IIt.

CONDITION REI'ORTINC GLOSSARY
Fold: r\ Ilirtling t!\'lT 01',1 ,lIrt:ICC ,0 [h,11 it "in
Tht' t~llIowing art' ,oml' uf rhe n1.lnl' rerms usnl ro lllllt.llf wirh il'l,lt: Tht' linl' of flt'\ing 111,1\'or
de,crihl' cond ir i(!I1S, n1.I\' nor Iw crt'asn!.
Inclusion: II,Hlicle .lcLidl'llt,tlh- hondnl tll rhl'
General Terms
,urt:ICl' of ,In ohjt'u during n1.lnUt',ILlure k,g ..
Abrasion: ;\ we;lring aW,IY of till' ,urflle clu"nl
Cl'Llmic. pl.lslic. L,I,I mCLd. p.lPlT),
h~' sCLlping, ruhhing, grinding. or friuion;
Loss: ,\ Iissing ,Ht'.1 or hille,
oftt'n superfici.tI,
Mildew: SCl' mold,
Accretion; Any t'xrern;tll11,Heri;d dl'f)(),itt'd on
a surbce; oftcn rcsltlrs from hurial condilions Missing clement: 1,1ISS IIf ,In i IHl'gr.d
comfHIIlt'1H 01: or an .Iddili"n or .ll'l'l'ndagt' to
or ;Iccidt'nul dt'posits. ,uch ;IS splasht's. drips.
,\n objcu k,g,. handlt'. t.ISSl'I),
tlyspt'ck,. ctC, (d', inclusion),
Mold: Biologil.ll in n;H IIrl'. mold or m iIdnl'
Adhesive residue: ~Ia~' ht' from glu~, pastt'o or
c;ln bt' in Ihl' t~Hll1 (It(lxing; of Lolol'nl. t"urr,I',
pressure-scnsitil'c rapl",
or weh-likl' SUrt:llt' eXCrl'SCeI1Cl"; ,ll1d/or ot'
Bleeding: Tht' ,utTusion 01';1 color ilHO
nlUS[\, odor.
adjact'IH mart'rials; often cllIsnl b~' w.Ht'r or
other solvl'lus, Patina: t\ Lolllrni su rt:ICt' LI~'l'l'. l'il hl'!' ,Ippl inl
ur l1.ltULdly occurril1g,
Chip: A dd~ct in a sUrl:ICt' ch.ILIlfcrill'd by Iht'
Pest damage: Su rt:ICl' Ims. IunnL" ing. hole,.
brt';lking
.IW;IYof m,lterial.
Crack: A surl~ICt' fLluurt' or fissure ,lcrosS t'I~' ,pl'cks. elc .. oh\'iousl~' L;lusn! h~' inst'l! SOl'
(IthL'!' Pt'sts.
or Ihrough ;1 marerial. t'ither straighl-linc or
Scratch: l.i nl'a r su rt:ICt' loss Jut' 10 ,Ihr.lsion
hranching in f()[Ill; no loss is implit'd, A crack
with a sharp poil1£.
may ht' dt'scribt'd as blind wht'n it qOPS p;lrt
Sheen: r\ pol ish produLcJ hy ha I1d I ill:':; ot'rl'n
wa\'. ;IS hairline when it is a tiny fj",ure. and as
OlUlrs Oil frl'qut'l1t1y touched IOl,1t ions,
opt'n when it is a large fissurt',
Crease: :\ lint' of cruslll'd or hrokt'n fihers. Soil: r\ gC'I1t'r.tI [lTm dCl10l ing .In\' malcri.tI
{h.1t dirties .... ullies. or smirches ,Ill ohjcl!, Duo.,{
gt'ner;tlly made by f~llding, r\ dog-ear is a
is lome "Ii I gl'I1L'LIII~' d i,t rihutnl olt ,It 1{ICl";
d i;lgona I crt'ase ;ICro", Ihe u .rtler of ,I p.lper.
grime is soil IL'I1.ICjoll"~' Itc'kl Oil 'UI'LlleS; ,I
p,lrchnll'llI. textile. t'tC
,ml"lr .lIld ,I t'il1gt'!'prilll ,Irl' rl pl'S ofloL,l1 grimL',
Delamination: ;\,t'p.ILltion ofl.lYlTs; ,plitting,
Dent: :\ dct'cu in I hc ,urflcl' c,llISnl hI' ,I hlow; .\ 'pallt'!' or rUIl i...tltc rnull of drinl droplel' or
'pl.l,hl's ,.r I( .rL'igll 11l,ltc'l'ia I.
,I ,imple UII1L,II'ilY,
Stain: A c'llor Lh,lngl' ;1' ,I re,ull lIt" ,,,iling.
Discoloration:;\ p.trti.tI III' t!\'t'LllIlh,lngl' in
.Idhe ...i\'l'" pnl r,',idul'. t(H.d. oils. L'lc, :\ diffu'l'
u.lor l.lu'nl bl' ,Iging. light. or Lhl'mictl ,lgl'lHs,
'Llin i, wilhollt ,I di,lin,! houl1d.II'\'; ,1,lj'c'l'l'll'
't'l'llowing ,Ind d,trh'ning l,ln Ol'ellL ,dong with
'Llil1 h.l' a di'linll hound.II'\';.1 liquid 'Llil1 11.1'
hk.ILhing. lht' li~h(t'ning of color, ,Ind flding. ,I
.1,li'Lrt'le hOlllld.II'\' or lide-lil1l' Ih.1t i, d.lrkcr
10" of CilloI' or.1 Lh,lngl' in hue,
I h,111rhe gl'lll'l',tI ,lre,1 ot" Ihl' '!.IiI1; ,I cC'lltc'l'nl
Disjoin: ;\ 1'.1rr i.d or ullnf'letl' 'l'f',ILHion of
,!.tin h,I' ,\ cl.lrklT "I' mllre illll'l1'l'l\ ,,,I,,red
.1 join! 11L'I\\l'l'n {I\(I nll'mhel's 'If.\n Ohjl'll, .1.'
LellllT \\'jlhin ir, gt'nt'!'.tI ,lrl',1 !ct', t(1\ingJ.
di,ringui,hl'd fruill ,1lf',ILk, le,lt. ,hl'lk, or 'I'I it.
In llleLtilic 'Llining. ,leli,lCl'llI m,II,'ri,d, ,Irl'
Distortion: ,\ I\,lrl'ing or Illi"h.lping ot' the
,li'L,ojl1rl'd .Is .1 rnull 'It" 111,,(.tI L"rrll,jOI1,
origin,tI ,11.If'e; ,hrink.lgl' n1.I\' 'IUUr.
Tear: ..\ hre,l kin t:lhric, p,lplT, lOr I IIhL'!' ,hn'l
Embrittlemcnt: ;\ 1,1" ot' tlnd'ilil\ c,lIl,ing
1ll.1t,'ri,tI ,I' ,I rl',ult I,t' Ic'll,i"ll ',I' [(,r,i,,,!.
Ihl' In,Heri,tI (c',g.. f',ll'er. 1'.lrdlnh'IH, Ie,Hhc'l') 10
\'Year: "Urt:ICl' LT",il1Il, u'lI,tlh ,II L',I~c", cille I"
hred, III' di,i'llq.:r,Hl' 1\ hl'n hl'llI IIr curled,
rq'c',ltnl h,llhlllllg,
Gouge: ,\ dd~'lI in Ihl' 'lIrt:lle 1\ hlTe 111,HlTi,d

227
 Painting IIr '(L\lIl~r. 111p;lp~T,.1 ,oft. U>lIC.IV~·/COI1\'~X
j',{il/ting /.,{yas LI ndlJln d iswrt ion.

Ground: L,lycr(s) of mar~rial ,Ippli~d (() pr~par~ Chalking: Lu.,s of a p;linr or emulsion Ia:'er hy
a surl~lce li)r paillling: usually ,I pigmenr ill ;1 po\\'deri ng oIl
hinding medium. Check: Splilting of wood .dong rhe gLlin,
Paint layer: Llyer(s) of colored pigmenr and from [he edge ofa hoard or panel tiH a parr of
binder us~'d (0 make rhe de.,ign. its lengrh. Checking is usually in response (()
Varnish: r\ dear resinous film ,Ipplinl m'er rhe r~pea[ed dimensional change hroughr on by
p;linr l.1)'er li)r prureLrion ,lIId (() ',lIl1Llle rhe tlucruarions of remptT,l!ll!e ,Ind Illllllidir:' (cf
colors. 'plir).
Cleavage: A s~paLl!ion b~r\\'een [hc painr Ia)'~r,
j',{il/ting Supports: j'(//I/'/, /-;tlJrir, Hoard
and rhe supporr producing reming (gahle-like
Cradle: On a panel. ,I sysrem of wood or
ridges) nr cuppi ng (concave tla k~.,). Clusnl hy
metal rihs Lisrenni paLdlel w [he graih, with
[he cnlltracrion of rhe SUpPO((. li,rcing rhe paim
perp~ndicular .,Iiding memhers: used in ,In
layer up nl'f the su rElce.
,J[tempr ro prevelll warpi ng
Crackle: A ner work of fi ne c('lLks tiHlnd in a
Lining: The .Iddirion of.1 new layer of l11arerial
variery of objecrs including pail1!ings. lacquer~,
ro [he rev~r'>t' of rhe original. u.,ing on~ of a
inlays. and ceramics. The cr~vice has :I narrow
Ilumber of ,Idhesiv~s sIKh as wax-resin, glue,
aperture ,Ind often p~n~rLHes Illore dun one
pasre. or synrheric resins.
layer: [he rifr has a rclarivcl:' wide aperture
Strainer: t\ fixed-joinr, non.expandable,
.Ind penetrares only a single layer. A rracrion
wooden frame .luxili,l!Y supporr li)r t:lhric.
Stretcher: r\n auxiliarv wooden-frame crackle has an "alligator~d" pattern of COlli pie x
hranching. wirh wide. disfiguring apertures.
,upporr li)r f;lbric rhar has one of s~veral ryp~s
i\.1cchanicd cLI~'ks r~sulting frolll a blow or
of exp.lnd.lhle joi illS [0 penn ir di mensional
pressure to [he r~Vl'!se. can cause a tearher-like
en la rgem~nr.
St retcher keys: \Vooden wedges usnl in rhe or radiating cLlckle pa[t~rn (hulls-eye or spider

sims of rhe ;oinrs of some srrerchers rh~1!1 w~b) or [he hl'nding or creasing of a canvas
kg .. ,dong rhe innl'! l'llges of srrerchl'! bar~).
mechanically.
Crazing: A fine sys[elll ofnackling in a
Tacking edge: The edge of a t:lhric pailHing
varnish layer, usually tiHlnd in .Ig~d films in
,upporr rh,lI is [urned over .Ind a[(ached ro
rhe s[rcrdler or .,[raill~r, usu,dh- wjrh racks or rh~'ir final \lages ofdr:'ing ,Ind ~llIhrir[lelllent.
Cupping: S~'e clea\,;Jg~.
'LI pies.
Dishing: t\ dct~'cr in th~ \lre[chcr L.llIsed hy
Painting Terms rh~ [orque of.1 drawn f.lhri~-. If [he \lr~tcher
Blanching: Irregul,lr. ohrrusive, p.de or milky 1ll~'llIbl'!s .Ir~ twi\ll·d tlut of.1 UHnlllon pl.lne .. 1
,lre,IS ill p,lim or varni,h: Ilor ,I ,uperfici.d ,h.dlow dih~dr;J1 ,Ingle is ti!l'llIcd .11 [he cornl'!'.
ddeu like hloom hur ,I ,ca[(ering of'lighr from [)ishing is ,I Cl1ll1lllnn ,.IUS~ of ~tlrncr wrinkles
miLroporo,irie, (Ir grallu!arion ill aged films. in ,trcrched l'.IIl\';h~' kf. dr.lw).
Blister: :\ ,epar,uion herweell Ia:er., .Ippearing Draw: :\ 10~'.d diswr! il1n .I[ [h~ COrlll'! ,)f.1
.IS all ellclosed. hub hied .lr~,1. p.linting. nl.lrknllw diagon.d co,kling frnlll
Bloom: r\ whiri,h. Lloudy .lpp~.Ir.ln(~ ill rh~' (h~ ll1rnlT [()\\ ,Ird I h~L~ll[er ()( [h~ IllI1UIl! (cf.

\',llIli,h 1.1:·er L.lll,,'d by expo'ure ro moi,r\lr~ di,hing).

or r"ulrillg frum w.lx-ba.,~d mnli,1. \olll~rim~, Fi II: Th~ 1l1.Hl'!i.d u ,~'d [() rl-pL!cc .1 r~·.1s o( In,,:
,.tlled ~nl()rc"~Il,e, [h~ rill i, [hl'n in-p;lin[ed.
Buckling: \X'.I\·~' or I.trg~ hlllg~' ill a ,.IIl\'a., Flaking: I i(ling ,lllll ,olll~rillll'S 10" I1f tl.tr
!'rom Ilon-uniti'rm [~n,ioll .Iroulld {h~· "rerLlll'r .lre.I' of the 'Urt:I~~ !.n'cr .

..:8
 « t II ! I t ii, I'.....
\ 1 \'. \t.1 \ 11 " J

Il1lpa~to: I hilkl,l ,Ipplil'd p,lill!. ,,(IVII \I ilh Photography Terms

prolloulIL.:d bru,h\l'ork, o([l'n .1(rlIuhk 'IHH Ferrotyping: (;1,,,,1' p,uLhl" t;lllnd IIn [hI'
hCL,IlISL',I!' Lk,I\':I~': or tlUICllill~ dllrill~ lillill~, ,Ud:ll': ofpho[o" r':'lIl£ill:': "I't)ll1 kll~lhl'
Inpainting: \:,'w .Irl"IS o( p,lill( (01'':'[01'': UlilLIL[ \lith.l Sl110'Hh-'lIrt:IL,'d '[01,1:':"
d.:,igll or Lolor LOlltillUity; rl'S[riLll,d (0.11'1"1'01 l'IILlo,urc, 'lI,h ,I' l'oIt'I'stt:!' or :.:1.1",
I( ISS, Frilling: 'il'p,lr.uioll ,llId liftillg "I' Ihl'
Overpainting: ,\rC:I' of rq',lilHin:.: o\t:!' ph,'t( 'gr.'ph iL l'llllll,ioll fl" 1111
t hI' 1,.1:':1"of [hI'
.:xi,[in~ .)ri:.:ill.tI 'lId:IL':' 'UPPOIt.
Split: :\ rllp[urc rulliling ,dOIl~ thc ~r.lill 01'.1 Silvering: ,>hin\' or mirr"r-likL' di'lllloLUioll
piCLCof \\'.)od frof11cnd to 1'1111.
U'll.llh- L:lu,nl in Ihc ,h.lllow ,Ill"" 01',1f,hlllogr'lf,hil if11,lg"
hy CX(ITior f111',h.lnil'.tI Slrcs' kt'. Lhl'Lk), "Iu,nlln' [hL' ,Igill~ ••t'I'\'l'S,ill' Il',idll.r\ ,ihLT
Stretcher crease: r\ dl'.I'" or lillc of d,ILks ill I'Hllp"unds,
(hc ~rou lid :\IId 1'.1i 11!1.1 1':1i11li II~ 1111
:'t:!', 111'.1
Plastic Terms
f;jhric. t;llIowin~ thl' ill,idL' l'd~l" of SlrL'tLhl'r
Bubbly areas: ,\ I\'fIL' ot' dl'I,Till!';1I i"l1 I; III11,1ill
f11l'l11he:rs
or {hL' nl:.:c, 'If nll"-f111'lllhns,
Ll'IIIII ••,1' Ili[r.!!l' ,111.1
,ILI'LIII',
(:.Iuscd h:' IhL' flc,illg of the: flhriL .lg.lillSl thl'
Odor: '>Illdl ••I' 'li It'u1',L.llllph ••r, \ i11":':,1
1',1'[L,
e:d~csof [hl'SI' I11Cl11hl'rS,
Ilro,ItIL'I'd h:' thI' llq.~r,ld,1IiOIl lit' L.:IIIII••", 11il I,1(1'
Tenting: Sn.' Lka\',lgL',
••I' :ILI'LIII' l'r ••duLr" 'slr••IIS ,"I••r illdiL,ltl"
Warp: III a pancl. Ihe:1'1.111.11'
dd;ll'Il1,ui'llIlIf (hI'
"'\Trl' dcgrad:H i"Il,
'lippon L.llISL,dh:' LlLllIgC' ill re:I.It ill' hllf11jdj(\',
Oozing: SI'L'sw.:,Hill:':,
\X'rinkling: Sm.dl ridgc, ;llId furrow, III'
Sweating: A LIe,lr or IL'II••w ••iI<,liqllid 1;'1111.1
lr;j\\'lillg paill! or \'arni,h L,IU'I,d h: illlprllpcr
1111
thl' ,lIr(IL" ••1',1dl'tLTi"r,IfL'llll,IItr\"'I' lli,r,1I1'
me:lhllds or nLut.'ri,d,; lIsu,dh- rcLunl (0,1 11011-
••I' ,ILl'Llfl' "hiL'LI.
dr:'ing I11cdium .llId Ims.1!' \olum.: in [hc filf11
,hrou~h e:vapora(ion, Tcxtill: Tl:rms

Papef Tefms Crocking: Ruhhillg ,,1'f •• t'L,.! ••r, rnliitillg ill

I h.: I. IS' •I!'lh-l"!ldf hUI Illli "I'filwL
Buck ling: r\ ,oft. LIIIICII'dLIII1\'I'\ r.llldoll1
d i"1<In i,III, Fraying: R.II'.:IL'l1or \lOJ'll 'f'"1 illlliL,IIl'l1 h\' I h"

Cockling: i\ "I!'t. LllnL,I\'I'/""1\"\ di,torrioll 'q,;tr,U i••11lit' Ih rl',ld" l'SpL'li,d k 1111

I hI' ,'dgl' •II
,11:dHiL,
Lh,lraue:ri/nl h:' 1',1r.dkl. rl-p.:;ucd rippk"
u,u,dlv l'ithlT IlOri/llllLdllr \'l'rtil"d, 'rendcring: ,\ dl'I,Ti'll.lfi"1I "t'lhrl',I,1s. 111<"1
LlI11l111"1l
ill ,ilk, l',u,dl.' L,llI'l'l1 "I li,:!II, Ih',ll.
Dimpling: ,\ l'IL,d,li,tlll'li"II, lISu,tlll ill thc
Lllm.:r, nLtrknl hI, ,I distinLlh-' ,1111,,11'1'
,11'1',(; lI'I" "t'"d[ 11111ld,IIII""\1""111'" tll 1,.T'I,il',lIiol1.
III' ,I c',1111
hi 11,11
ill 11III' £llL'SI',
1I,u.tll:' L.lu'nll)\' lo"d ,lllhl',j'lIl III' Ihl' '"1'1'"1'1
III {he:sl'\I.nd,ln support. \Vood Tcrm,
Draw: ,\ IIIL.d di'IIInioll ,It till' cOl'lllT, IILlrk",1
:\lli~.t(oring: ,'11'111"
III h,llIlilll' c1,1,k, 111..!,I
In' di.lgon.tI LOlklill:': II't1111
Ihl' c"l'I1\'r 111\1
,II'd \,Irll"h, lrv,lIillg {hI' If'I''',II,1I1,,' ,d ,1111::-:,11"1
I hI' l':IHn II( Ihe:111.'IIIH, 11i,k,
Drumming: ,\ [1'1'1'IIfll1,Htillg Ilhnl'lhl' Checking: '1li,.:hl ~'If'I'"1C: "'[.'.'ll'11 \1.",,1 ,,!I,
,ul'I'"n i, ,I,lhl'r",1 Oil ,dl c'd:':l" tll thl' \1illll'I\I' Ih,lI dL',I[L'S,I chnkc,£I"',lr,j likl'I',III"111. l'l\llhl
IILU: l.lll'l" p'llhkf11, II Ihl' lelu ill' hllll1idil I' \\hl.:n. \\(ltlll i ... Llit 'o(I'.,,:-:ht k 1"11"'1 till ~l.ljI1 1'\1
hl'U'II11" t(I\' 111\1,
"Inillg, 'lI,h ,I' 111,1h,dl,llh! ,11\1 ,,,,",
Foxing: '111L111
11,11,,\1,
hr"\1 II "'lnl.li,h-h"'\1 11 Dr\' rot: 1)1',,11.>1'1,1""1c'd I illlhli ,11.'c
'1'''[' IIn 1',lplT: "llhVd hI 111,,1,111111\1,1.1111111.>1 h\ t'1I11~i£11.11 ,,111'11111,
£Ill' "lllIi"", "1, ..•,,,,1.
iroll 1',lnick, III [hI' p,q'n, ,,",1\illS ,I ",tl ,k"kl"11 [h,1I I' ,,',1,111<
rc-d'I".1 '"
\'('rinkling: \11 ,llIglll.lL dll,h",! .li'IIIni.lI1. r'C 1\\ r.
l..j 1,.:
\IIJSEIJ\I RECISTIL\I'ION \IETII()()S I ) I'll EIJITIl)N

Shrinkage: A loss of mass or size in response to from incompatible metal contact.

dry rdative humidity conditions. Pitting: Small. irregular, shallow pinhole-sized
losses scat-tered over the surface of metal caused
Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Terms
by acid conditions or resulting from the casting
Crizzling: Fine netwotk of cracks on glass
process.
caused by hydration of the salts in the glass.
Tarnish: A dullness or bhll.:kening of a bright
Resulting from the leaching out of the excess metal surface .•
alkali (cf. dcvitrificHion, weeping).
Devitrification: Loss of rransparency in glass
caused by the crystallization of the original
ingredients (cf. crizzling).
Efflorescence: Powdery or crystalline crusts
on the surface of stone, plaster. ceramics, ete.
Formed when transmigrating water'reacts with
an object's chemical makeup or extraneous
deposits from burial.
Iridescence: Color effect in glass or pottery
due to the panial decomposition of the surface
and the formation of innumerable thin scales,
resulting in an UI1l:ven, flaky surface.
Powdering: A stone surface that is crumbling
or pulverized.
Spalling: Shallow losses or ~laking from the
surface of stone or ceramic.
Sugaring: Erosion of the surface of marble
creating a very granulated or "sugary" surface
appearance.
Weeping: A wet, dripping surface on glass.
Caused by a reaction between water and ~()rmic
acid.
Leather Terms
Hair loss: Area of loose or missing fur in
objects and garments made of pelts; often due
to pest activity or improper processing of the
hide.
Red rot: Powdery red substance found upon
vegetable-tanned leather objects resulting from
a chemical re~lCtion with pollutanrs in the air.
Metal Terms r/',wk, to: duthorJ 1~/B;lSic Condition RqJOrting:
A HanJbook {3rd (ditioll. South(tlJt(n/ R(giJtrtlrJ
Corrosion: The chemical ;dteration of a metal
I"IHoriatioll, /998): ShtlrOll Bt'lII/Nt. I'dislq S. CUO .• \ftlr]
'illrface caused by .lgenrs in the environment or
(;&s, P.ttti 1"1, f-Itlga. Helm H. II/g.dls. !:iise V l.eCompte.
by reagents applied purposely. Corrosion may
I"II(YllI. 0 rd. Douglas j\fcCtsh. J!ilrtha Ji.l1/i.,sm .\!il),b(Y~v.
only affect an object's color .lI1d texture without .~lIl1e E. j\fotley. tllld Sttlcq S.II'iwky. JIltll/k,- .dso to
.dtering the form (bronze disease) or it may .Hld Richard D. Buck . .\!argtlret Holbm Elli, .. /fld to Ra,-/I(I I
[0 the form. producing hard nodules or (rusts \'-;l1gtlS,1IId Ihe StrtlllJ Co/ta jor C01/Je'rVtltitJlI.H"rI'.lrd
J
(rust). Bimetallic (or galvanic) corrosion results Cl/iI'ersi~y Art .\1usc'lm/J. jor .IfldiritJI/.d gl();,-,,~vtam,-.
I
230
I
J
 DEFINITIONS

Condition Report - An accurate and informative account of an object's state of

preservation at a particular moment in time. It provides a verbal and/or visual
description of the nature, location, and extent of each defect in a clear, consistent
manner. (from Museum Registration Methods)

Object Condition Checking and Technical Assessment - The management and

documentation of information about the make-up and condition of an object, and
recommendations for its use, treatment, and surrounding environment
(from Spectrum)

RESOURCES

Demeroukas, Marie, "Condition Reporting," (eds.) Rebecca A. Buck and Jean Allman
Gilmore in Museum Registration Methods Sth Edition, (Washington DC:AAM Press,
2010), p. 223-232.

McKenna, Gordon and Efthymia Patsatzi (eds.), SPECTRUM: The UK Museum

Documentation Standard, Version 3.2, (Cambridge: Collections Trust, 2009).

Perry, Kenneth D. (ed.), The Museum Forms Book, Third Edition, (Austin: Texas
Association of Museums, 1999).

And please feel free to contact me:

Matt Renick
Registrar, Museum of Texas Tech University
ma ttrenick@ttu.edu
806-742-2442

CIOOC 211 Condition Reports:

Reporting Damage and Loss
Lubbock, TX - July 1, 2011