Evaluation of Display Materials in Shanghai Museum: Situation in the Past Three Years and Prospect of the Future Development

Unqualified display materials are harmful to cultural objects due to the emitting of volatile matters. The Oddy test is a commonly adopted method for judging the reliability level of uncertain materials. As a classical art museum with world-class influence, Shanghai Museum holds both permanent and special exhibitions every year. Since the showcases for special exhibitions are usually decorated using new materials, the reliability level of these materials is evaluated using the Oddy test to reduce the risk of cultural object damage. Over 100 uncertain materials have been evaluated in the past three years. The judgment results are briefly introduced and analyzed in this paper. The deposited metal film method, as an option for getting the judgment results in less time, is also summarized. Shanghai Museum conservators are working on a deeper understanding of the phenomena occurring in the Oddy test in order to advance the development of several museum-related industries.