[PADG:1170] RE: Bubble Gum as Art

["Frame, Cynthia" <Cynthia_Frame@xxxxxxxx>]

We often have non-paper, non-media items as part of the books and serials we
collect. 
For the most part, the main problem is possible insect infestation, as they
would be attracted to the sugar and possible flavorings. However, a good
program of pest management should lessen that concern. We often put the
whole thing (plastic wrapping included) in a ziplock polyethylene baggie. If
the gum is kept at usual proper environmental conditions, it should last for
a very, very long time (it is possible that it is made of a synthetic
resin). If it embrittles or discolors slightly, well... that is the nature
of the piece. 
Within the cataloging record we make a note that the item includes organic
material.
We also make photocopy surrogates when necessary; we indicate on the
photocopy that we made the copy and where the original is housed. This
sounds like the best choice for a circulating magazine.

Cynthia Frame
Preservation Specialist for Research Collections
(212) 333-1206 phone
(212) 333-1122 fax
cynthia_frame@xxxxxxxx
The Museum of Modern Art
http://www.moma.org/  



 


> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Winston.Atkins@xxxxxxxx [SMTP:Winston.Atkins@xxxxxxxx]
> Sent:	Wednesday, January 31, 2001 10:54 AM
> To:	padg@xxxxxxx
> Subject:	[PADG:1169] Bubble Gum as Art
> 
> 
> 
> Folks--
> An issue of the following serial has given us pause:
> 
> Trans> arts, cultures, media [serial].
> New York, N.Y. : Passim, Inc., 1995-
> 
> According to our collection specialist, the issue "Trans 8"  includes with
> the
> magazine, "an 8.5 x 11 piece of pink bubble gum
> with a printed image by the artist Paul McCarthy, encased in dimestore
> plastic.
> " In our particular case, the rigors of mailing broke the gum into several
> pieces but it remains in the plastic. We're trying to figure out the best
> way to
> handle this. I'm considering a color photocopy of the gum, tipped into the
> issue, but we'd like to save the original if possible.
> 
> Any alternative solutions to the photocopying? What about suggestions for
> saving
> the bubble gum?
> 
> Several of us will undoubtedly be facing this, so please post responses to
> the
> list.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Winston Atkins
> Preservation Officer
> Duke University Libraries
> winston.atkins@xxxxxxxx