B30 · Reference edition 2026.11
Material descriptions — Review and interpretation
A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property.
Scope and purpose
Review the record before drawing a conclusion. Look for missing context, ambiguous labels and claims that exceed the evidence. The purpose is to identify what can be understood from the record and what still requires a separate assessment.
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 |
|---|---|
| B30 | 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
Read the record without relying on memory; check every label; identify uncertainty; decide whether a specialist review is required; retain the original observation.