Mould remediation

Mould is a serious threat to artworks, objects and archives. Early detection and removal of mould growth is critical to ensuring valuable items are not damaged permanently.

Services include

  • Prevention
  • Treatment
  • Clearance certification
  • Cleaning
  • Training

Mould can seriously damage artworks, objects and archives, typically through staining and degradation caused by the chemical reaction of mould spores with organic material. Mould growth on paper and artworks can lead to irreversible damage, discoloration, and structural deterioration, so it's crucial to address the issue promptly and with care. 

We remediate artworks and large collections of art and archives. Our team meticulously plans the logistics of every step to prevent cross-contamination and minimise disruption to your collection. We take the necessary precautions to ensure that mould spores are effectively contained and not spread to other areas.

The mould remediation process includes:

Assessment and inspection: Our conservators assess the extent of mould contamination to determine the severity of the issue.

Isolation and protection: To prevent the spread of mould spores, affected artworks and paper is isolated. This may involve sealing off the area and using air filtration systems to maintain a controlled environment.

Cleaning and removal: Mould is removed from paper and artworks using specialised cleaning techniques. Conservators use gentle, non-invasive methods to avoid further damage to the items.

To ensure the best possible outcomes our treatment methodologies are based on up-to-date research and safe handling procedures.

Contact us for expert help to manage mould remediation for your collection, whether for one or two artworks or a collection containing thousands of items. For your peace of mind, we are also able to supply clearance certificates post-treatment.

It is ICS policy to undertake mould remediation triage on a mould-affected object within 48 hours of delivery to our building. This allows us to safely handle the item to enable assessment for further treatment. Mould triage is provided at cost, and usually takes approximately 1-3 hours at our standard hourly rate. If you wish to bring a mould-affected item into ICS, please make an appointment in advance to speak with a conservator. Most importantly, please wrap the piece in transparent plastic prior to bringing it to ICS. This is to contain the mould and allow us to provide you with an initial assessment by looking through the plastic.

If you wish to bring a mould-affected item into ICS, please make an appointment in advance to speak with a conservator. Most importantly, please wrap the piece in transparent plastic prior to bringing it to ICS. This is to contain the mould and allow us to provide you with an initial assessment by looking through the plastic.

Yes. Our item registration receipt includes an insurance value section, which we will ask you to complete. This helps us to ensure that ICS carries the appropriate insurance value at all times to cover all items in our care.

Yes, all work undertaken at ICS or at your site is covered by ICS insurances, including professional indemnity and public liability.

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