Use of repelling molecules or agents and/or insecticides suited to the conservation of cultural property

Use of repelling molecules or agents and/or insecticides suited to the conservation of cultural property

Programme start: 2012

CICRP: Fabien Fohrer

Partnerships(s): Grazia Nicosia, conservator-restorer, National Centre of Plastic Arts (CNAP) grant; Yohanna Dechezleprêtre, conservator-restorer

This research has been carried out with and at the instigation of Grazia Nicosia, conservator-restorer and CNAP research assistant, in collaboration with the artist Ian Fabre.

This study aims to test the repellent effectiveness of essential oils used alone or in combination on certain insects currently encountered on this type of material (examples: Anthrenus verbasci, Stegobium paniceum, Gibbium psylloides, etc.).

Concurrently, a study on the chemical and physical harmlessness of these substances is being carried out on the materials traditionally used by artists, such as insects, but also bones, feathers, leather, hair and also metals and textiles. The study of these repellents, their mode of action and their user protocols will make it possible to improve the packaging and storage of these works by reducing the risk of insect infestation.

Publication:

Fohrer F., 2011, ‘Recherche de produits ou molécules de substitution pour la protection des oeuvres patrimoniales’, La lettre de l’OCIM, No. 138, November–December: 21–22.