Managing Loans in a More Sustainable Future

This paper reflects on the National Gallery of Victoria and its Exhibitions Conservation section over its 30-year history, and assesses the development of sustainable approaches within its programming. The author has managed the section since its inception, providing a unique insider opportunity to examine three decades of exhibition management within a large state institution, working with lenders and borrowers to manage both local and international loans. The paper describes the Exhibition Conservation section before reviewing a selection of exhibition files spanning the period 1975–2020 to evaluate 'change' with respect to the mid-range environmental parameters. Relative Humidity, usually considered the most significant issue for lenders, will be the main focus. Experience gained in lending to non-compliant environments is described and the Exhibition Conservation library is reviewed for discussions of sustainability of the profession more generally. Change is discussed in light of the fundamental rethink of collection management occurring within the profession. Finally, tools are offered to assist in the management of loans between differing environments.