Caring for Collections Made From Hide

In this video, Kelly McHugh, Supervisory Collections Manager, National Museum of the American Indian, and Leah Bright, Mellon Fellow in Objects Conservation, discuss how many objects in museum collections are made of hide, skin, or leather. The biological properties, processing techniques, and conservation/condition issues that often affect collection items made from hide are examined. The basic care of hides, such as documentation, integrated pest management, storage/environment, and treatment options are discussed and demonstrated using examples. This session was part of the ATALM annual conference held in Prior Lake, Minnesota, on October 8-11, 2018.