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Re: 11x14 glass plate negative enclosures
Title: Message
Dear
Janette:
We
would be happy to assist and advise. We are manufacturers of archival storage
and presentation products (www.archivalmethods.com) and have a
few suggestions. If you end up wanting us to quote enclosures for you we
would waive any special order pricing as we would for any member of the
list.
First,
you need to decide if these glass plates are going to be pretty much
in long term storage or if they will be frequently accessed? One of
the simplest ways is to house them in "drop mats" which would consist of the
following "sandwich": 1. A bottom "plate" of heavy archival quality board or
corrugated to a nominal outside dimension of 15 x 18" (2" larger all around than
the negative), 2) a center "mat" with a cutout of slightly larger than the
negative and a cut-out or relief on one of the 11" sides to facilitate lifting
and removing the negative to avoid "prying" (a more elegant but more costly
solution would be a tape hinged end on one of the short sides) 3) a top plate
the same as the bottom. The assembly can be tape hinged together along one of
the long dimensions. Sling each negative in either archival paper or (best)
polyester to protect the emulsion.
It
would not be difficult to manufacture these drop mats at your facility and any
local framer and cut the inside mat which must be slightly thicker than the
negative.
We
have an expert on photo storage on staff, Dennis Inch (co-author: "The Life of a
Photograph" ). Feel free to contact him. His number and email are at
archivalmethods.com
With
reference to storage, these negatives are easily breakable, of course, and
pressure or weight are killers. Safest would be vertical storage in appropriate
SLOTTED cabinets so that the plates cannot lean against each other. It goes
without saying that such cabinets must have an appropriate (safe) finish.
Nothing is simple :)
As a
further source, the world authorities at the George Eastman House a few miles
down the road from us here in Rochester are usually happy to chat. Dennis can
get you some contacts there as well.
Steve
Hess
archivalmethods.com
Dear
Listmembers,
We recently
accessioned about 80 of these negatives and are having trouble locating
pre-made four-flap enclosures for this large size. Hollinger and Metal Edge
are willing to make them, but I am hoping that we can obtain them
elsewhere to avoid special order pricing.
I have also seen
two schools of thought on whether this large size should be stored vertically
as are the smaller sizes or horizontally (of course, with very few
per box).
Any leads
and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Janette Gomes
Assistant Regional
Archivist
Puget Sound Regional
Archives
3000 Landerholm Circle SE,
MS-N100
Bellevue, WA
98007-6484
jgomes@bcc.ctc.edu
(425)
564-3946