J.IIC-CG VOLUME 7 (1982)
Time and Mrs. Tiber and Food Technology
Time and Mrs. Tiber by Liz Magor contains 53 jars of preserved fruits and vegetables, at least six of which were highly unstable. In 1979 the artist herself expressed concern about her work. In response, food preservation literature was studied, and physicists and microbiologists from the National Research Council were also consulted. The artist was also consulted; she stated that she expected the work to change, but that its lifespan should be at least fifty years; she also felt strongly that the original fruit, lids and jars should be retained. Preservatives were tested on purchased fruit; white vinegar was most promising. Food technologists at the NRC suggested adding benzoic acid as well. A saturated solution of benzoic acid in vinegar was used to replace the fluid of the most unstable jars; lids were re-sealed with wax. The treatment adopted was conservative: only sixteen jars were treated, and the aim was merely to retard, not arrest deterioration. The work will continue to be checked periodically. Refrigerated, dark storage is recommended.
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