How to Avoid the Nightmare of Pest Infestation in Artworks
Artworks infested by insects often face a grim future, especially since pest damage is typically excluded from even the most comprehensive specialist insurance policies. But a conservation-driven solution called ANOXART is changing the game, offering a safe and non-invasive way to eliminate pests without risking harm to valuable objects.
Developed by Orbis Conservation Ltd and Soteria Conservation Ltd, ANOXART is a state-of-the-art anoxic treatment system designed to eradicate insects from art collections. With over 30 years of combined experience working with organic materials, the team behind ANOXART saw a critical gap in available treatment options that were both effective and safe for delicate artefacts.
“Traditional methods can cause irreversible damage—cracking, adhesive failure, or shrinkage,” says the ANOXART team. “We needed a treatment that preserved the integrity of the object while eliminating the infestation.”
The answer came in the form of custom-designed anoxic chambers that remove oxygen and replace it with argon, maintaining oxygen levels below 0.3%—a threshold that ensures insects at all life stages are eradicated. Crucially, the chambers maintain strict control over humidity and temperature, preventing damage that can be caused by environmental fluctuations.
ANOXART can treat objects on-site or at its London-based studio, significantly reducing handling and transport risks. It is also capable of accommodating large or composite items, including those made with delicate thermoplastics or latex elements.
What sets ANOXART apart is its conservation-first approach: no chemicals, no risk of thermal shock or moisture condensation, and no compromise on the safety of the object. It’s a comprehensive, end-to-end service designed by conservators for the preservation of cultural heritage.
As infestations continue to pose a hidden threat to collections worldwide, ANOXART offers museums, galleries, and private collectors a much-needed safeguard—one that protects artworks where insurance policies fall short.
