Putting It Into Practice

Storing Paper Collections

Framed Materials

Any prints, drawings, or other objects that have been matted or backed with acidic materials or wood should be removed from those mounts. They may be matted using preservation-quality materials and reframed in their original frames using museum-quality materials. These objects may also be safely stored flat (unframed, matted, or unmatted) in folders inside boxes or drawers, like oversize items.

Frames should not use eye screws or other protruding hardware for hanging, because they can cause damage to other frames or glazing. Protruding hardware should be replaced with D-rings on brackets, available from framers. Glazing should filter ultraviolet (UV) light and should never touch the artifact inside the frame. An additional layer of preservation-quality matboard should be used behind the board on which the object is mounted. The frame should be deep enough to accommodate all the layers, and it should be sealed so that it is as airtight as possible. See Matting and Framing for Art and Artifacts on Paper and How to Do Your Own Matting and Hinging for details on matting and framing.

Framed items should not be exhibited permanently. When not on exhibit, they should be stored vertically. Usually a padded frame rack is most practical for smaller institutions, while custom sliding storage racks (where metal grill panels are suspended from tracks) may be appropriate for institutions with larger collections of framed objects. Frame racks are available ready-made or can be constructed (be sure to use non-damaging materials). Each compartment in a frame rack should be cushioned at the bottom, and foamboard should be used between framed items within the compartments to prevent abrasion.