This week in our objects conservator is working on testing display materials via Oddy Tests. Conservators have to make sure that any materials used in displaying objects, such as the case work, fabrics, paints, adhesives, labels and mounts, won’t react negatively with the work of art. If the wrong materials are used in display it can cause corrosion, discoloration and even weakening of the components of an art work. In order to make sure that display materials are safe to use, conservators run a test called an Oddy Test.  Named after its creator Andrew Oddy in 1973, the test uses small metal coupons in a container with the various display materials to see whether the display materials cause the coupons to corrode. The samples are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, creating an artificial aging chamber that speeds up the corrosion process. The test takes about month to complete, and at the end the suitability of display materials is determined by whether  the metal coupons are corroded.