[Nhcoll-l] Question about freezing specimen

[ELLEN PEARLSTEIN]

Dear colleagues,


I am forwarding a question on behalf of my colleague Rachel Rivenc about
freezing a Marcel Duchamp sculpture with butterflies, feathers, and a
seahorse encapsulated in cellulose acetate. The freezing would be to
preserve the cellulose acetate. My own research indicates that freezing
structurally colored butterflies and feathers might permanently alter the
coloration.


Here is Rachel's description and images; we are both eager for your
replies! Thanks in advance!



It is a cellulose acetate case with natural specimen embedded (a sea horse,
butterflies, and feathers). It is part of an artwork by Marcel Duchamps as
his alias/alter ego Rose Selavy, together with various makers. It used to
contain small books in a chemise with drawings that line up with the
specimen. It is really beautiful unfortunately the acetate case has
severely deteriorated. I attach a couple of images.



It needs to be stored in our frozen vault but I wonder the low temperatures
would adversely affect the specimen? Please let me know what you think and
if you know of any literature I should consult on the topic.
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