www.firstonsite.ca
Priceless centenary
collection restored by
FirstOnSite and returned
to Peterborough Museum
CASE STUDY
Museum Flood
LOCATION
Peterborough, Ontario
EVENT DATE
July 2004
THE CHALLENGE
When torrential rains hit south-central Ontario and parts of Quebec in July 2004, the city of Peterborough got the worst of it. It’s
drainage system was unable to cope with the demands of 150 mm of water falling overnight.
During the early morning flood-water entered the lower level of the Peterborough Public Library through damaged windows,
affecting the conservation area and storage vault of the Peterborough Centennial Museum Association (PCMA). The vault was
separated from the main area by a wall, providing some protection from debris. The conservation work-area outside the vault was
destroyed.
$8 Million Collection Under Water
A large portion of the collection, valued at over eight million dollars lay beneath almost one metre of water. Three generations of
the Roy family documented almost every facet of life in the Peterborough area from 1896 to 1992, making their collective works
one of the most important such collections in Peterborough’s history.
The floodwater crested at 14 inches from the floor of the basement. Approximately 10 % of the collection was under water for up
to 24 hours. The electricity was cut off as a safety precaution leaving no light or environmental controls.
Time was an issue, and FirstOnSite (known then as Rosco Group Document Restorations) was called in.
30,000 glass plate and other film negatives, related photographic material, and documents were loaded onto freezer trucks for
transport to secured facilities where the complex and delicate restoration work began.
THE SOLUTION
Innovation and Freeze Drying Technology
“The salvage and freeze drying of the Roy Studio collection was a huge challenge that broke new ground in conservation
practice,” stated Mr. Harrington. “FirstOnSite worked closely with CCI, National Library and Archives Canada and the
Peterborough Centennial Museum. Their sensitive treatment, professional experience and expertise lead to a successful
result unparalleled in the conservation literature for a collection of this kind.”
1.877.778.6731
24-HOUR EMERGENCY
RESPONSE LINE
YOUR PROPERTY IS OUR PRIORITY
www.firstonsite.ca
Resources and Commitment
During the unveiling ceremony, Peterborough Mayor Sylvia Sutherland reiterated the importance of the restorative work
performed . “It is clear that the works of photographer Robert Maitland Roy, of his son Frederick and of his grandson Robert John
would have been lost, but for the expertise of FirstOnSite personnel,” claimed Mayor Sutherland. “It is with gratitude that we
recognize the company’s contribution here today. The impressive condition in which these photographs have been returned to us
will ensure their future quality and availability to the people of Peterborough for generations to come.”
“The salvage and freeze drying of the Roy Studio collection was a huge
challenge that broke new ground in conservation practice. FirstOnSite
worked closely with CCI, National Library and Archives Canada and the
Peterborough Centennial Museum. Their sensitive treatment, professional
experience and expertise lead to a successful result unparalleled in the conservation literature for a collection of this kind.”
– Michael Harrington, Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Manager Preservation
Services and Training
Museum Director Susan Neale later alluded to the great value of the photographs. “Museums are the guardians of our collective
heritage, “ stated Ms. Neale. “The restoration of these photographs will make it possible for future generations to appreciate our
cultural roots and treasures. Not only must we preserve, conserve and show our collections to all, it is our duty to protect them
from the ravages of time and the elements.”
Lastly, Mr. Barry J. Ross, President, Rosco Group (now FirstOnSite Restoration) , spoke on behalf of the his staff of experts to
say how proud his team is to have completed this task in a relatively short time span. A project of this size is unprecedented in
Canadian history. “This type of challenge calls for quick action as the smallest delay can have a devastating impact on the artefacts
we try to save. We thank the people of Peterborough, who quickly put their trust in our expertise.”
THE RESULT
For two years, a dedicated team of approximately one-hundred specialists toiled tirelessly to bring this unique and prestigious
collection back to life. And two years later, the restored Balsillie Collection of Roy Studio Images was unveiled and returned to
public viewing.
The rapid involvement of FirstOnSite restoration experts and their innovative technology made it possible to save this historically
invaluable treasure. At the time of the flooding, Michael Harrington, Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Manager
Preservation Services and Training, had underscored the exceptional collaboration of this Canadian firm.
1.877.778.6731
24-HOUR EMERGENCY
RESPONSE LINE
YOUR PROPERTY IS OUR PRIORITY