Date of Award

8-2025

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Name

Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage and Conservation Science and Imaging , M.A./M.S.

Department

Art Conservation Department

Advisor

Emily Hamilton

Department Home page

https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu

First Reader

Rebecca Ploeger

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy and implications of low-temperature pest eradication— specifically freezing—as a method for managing clothes moth infestations in museum collections, with a focus on contemporary and composite artworks. Prompted by the evolving needs of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), this research explores current best practices, material vulnerabilities, and institutional approaches to freezing treatments. A literature review was conducted alongside a global survey of 40 museum professionals to assess how freezing protocols are implemented, what materials are considered safe, and what challenges arise in real world applications. Results show that while freezing remains a widely adopted and effective pest control strategy due to its accessibility and minimal toxicity, it poses substantial risks to modern and composite materials, including synthetic polymers and adhesives. Approximately 30% of respondents reported firsthand experience with freezing-related damage, underscoring the importance of thorough risk assessment and appropriate mitigation strategies. The study also evaluates various freezer types—chest, walk-in, and mobile—and their suitability for different institutional contexts. Recommendations are made for risk-tiered assessment protocols, improved documentation, and expanded research into the behavior of aged or multi-material objects under repeated freeze cycles. This work supports the development of nuanced, informed conservation strategies that balance pest eradication with material preservation and ethical stewardship.

Download

Share

COinS