B29 · Reference edition 2026.11
Material descriptions — Recording and revision
A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property.
Scope and purpose
A reference record should allow another reader to reconstruct the intended description. Keep the identifier, context and revision together. When information changes, explain the change and retain enough of the earlier description to understand what was superseded.
Working notes
This collection describes enclosure forms, access routes and documentation practices for paper-based material. It is intended for reading and planning, not for directing treatment of fragile objects. Fold diagrams and record examples are original illustrations with no associated collection or accession data. Material descriptions distinguish observed features from documented properties. Decisions about a real object, its condition and its environment require the relevant professional judgement.
Practical example
Record the source of a material statement and leave unsupported fields explicitly unconfirmed.
| Reference record | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| B29 | Material descriptions |
| Scope and purpose | A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property. |
| Limits and interpretation | Do not infer chemical suitability from a trade name or visual appearance. |
Review checklist
Check the identifier; describe the observation and its source; date the revision; link affected figures; distinguish confirmed facts from open questions.