[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

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
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU] On Behalf Of Janette Gomes
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 11:43 AM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: 11x14 glass plate negative enclosures

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