Rehousing proposal for the Papa Stour archaeological textile collection from the Shetland Museum and Archives: issues and proposal

Abstract

This study seeks to propose a rehousing storage method for a collection of archaeological fragments from Shetland Museum and Archives that will reflect the object’s role, the institution’s resources while promoting the recent advances of best practice in the care of archaeological textiles. The archaeological collection’s storage environment and condition were surveyed in order to understand its specific needs. However, in order to determine decision making processes and techniques of mounting archaeological material, one-on-one interviews with heritage professionals at leading museums in the United Kingdom was conducted. Through this process, various issues, not previously considered, affecting rehousing strategies were uncovered. These include the practical aspects of mount construction, to trends within conservation, how archaeology and museums, and even macro environmental issues such as sustainability and economy. Taking all those considerations in mind, a prototype mount was finally constructed and proposed.