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Re: Storing framed photos



Removing all hooks, wires, etc., from frames before storage also helps
preserve the frames. If the framed materials are likely to be exhibited, the
hooks and wires can be preserved separately in envelopes clearly marked as
to which frame they belong to. Often, the hooks and wires are so rusted,
they need to be replaced anyhow.  Items may need to be reframed using
archival matting and/or backing materials for long-term preservation.
Controlling humidity is especially important when storing items in enclosed
framing packages under glass.

There are a variety of ways to rig up storage for framed items, as well as a
number of commercial systems marketed to museums. One simple method I've
seen (for those who are handy with basic carpentry or can use the skills of
someone who is): upright space dividers made of two 1x1's, drilled out to
hold dowels, spaced closely enough together to provide support for the
framed materials. The dowels are glued and nailed to the 1x1's, and then the
bottom 1x1 is screwed into the bottom of storage unit, and the top 1x1 could
also be screwed into the top of the cabinet if the divider is made to fit
the storage unit dimensions. However, these will work adequately without
being fastened at the top. Naturally, the dividers need to be finished to
prevent off-gassing from the wood. The bottom of the storage space should be
lined with a padding material that will allow frames to slide in and out but
will not off-gas chemicals into the storage space.

Sharon Howe, Photo Archivist/Cataloger
Oregon Historical Society, Portland

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