'Risk Assessment for Object Conservation' reflects Dr Jonathan Ashley-Smith's personal interests and views in areas including materials science, the ethics of restoration, the costs of conservation and the philosophy of museums. This valuable book explains the mechanisms of deterioration of museum artifacts, quantifying the probability that damage will occur and estimating the rate of progress when it does. The principles outlined and the information provided will form a foundation for cost-benefit analysis of conservation proposals. Dr Ashley-Smith also gives comprehensive explanations of scientific of mathematical material to take into consideration the readers who have no background in these areas, alongside a basic introduction. The structure of the book provides a logical progression through tools, concepts information and examples. This is a must-have purchase for all conservators, curators and administrators of historic artifacts at both student and professional level.

Jonathan Ashley-Smith

Chapter 1 The conservation connection; Chapter 2 A rough guide to risk; Chapter 3 Tricky decisions; Chapter 4 The model museum; Chapter 5 Costs and benefits; Chapter 6 Value; Chapter 7 Definitions of damage; Chapter 8 Calculated risk; Chapter 9 Big trouble; Chapter 10 Chemical reaction; Chapter 11 Physical effect; Chapter 12 Light entertainment; Chapter 13 The things people do; Chapter 14 Travelling shows; Chapter 15 Ethics and intervention; Chapter 16 Purpose and presentation; Chapter 17 Expert advice Index;