An investigation into whether the compressive forces exerted on a textile artefact suspended in a magnetic display system cause damage to the objects fibres and/or weave

Abstract

Through review of the relevant literature and through data collected via a questionnaire, this
dissertation highlights that magnets are widely utilised within conservation, both as a
treatment tool and as a method of display. There is however little published research
available into the potentially damaging effects of compression on artefacts held under the
exerted force of a magnet.
This research project begins to bridge this gap in knowledge by analysing the effects of a
magnetic display system on the fibres and weave of four textile samples and one textile
artefact suspended in magnetic display systems over set periods of time.
The textile types and method of magnetic display chosen were based on those found to be
most commonly cited in the qualitative data collected.
Methods of analysis conducted for the purpose of this research included: simple visual
analysis, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Through the analysis carried out no damage to the textiles was observed as a result of
compression by the magnetic display systems. More research is however required i.e.
analysis of textile artefacts mounted with magnets for longer periods of time and by pursuing
other analytical techniques such as tensile strength testing to assess whether damage is
occurring as a result of compression that is not detectible via visual analysis methods.