As the NAMHO guidelines indicate a photographic record is the minimum record
that should be produced. There are many hidden problems with removing items.
Firstly items that have been underground for a long time have been in a
fairly stable enviroment and taking them elsewhere can cause rapid
degredation. Most of the museums with mining connections are small and
volunteer run. They have no budget for conservation and generally little
experience in the care and treatment of artefacts. In many cases
conservation consists of washing the mud off and placing the item in a
display case. Many items found underground are Iron which is one of the most
difficult materials to conserve even if you have access to the best
conservation lab.
More reasons to leave items where you find them.
Martin Roe
Lead Mining in the Yorkshire Dales
Web site @http://www.mroe.freeserve.co.uk
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