In answer to Elizabeth Hudson's question:

The first thing that I would recommend is storing all of the small artefacts in acid free packaging – wrapped in acid free tissue in an acid free box, preferably without them touching each other so that no colours or deterioration can migrate from one thing to another. Make sure that Acid free generally lasts for 100 years and ensures that there are no harmful pollutants (such as glues) in the material. Keeping your items in a box will protect them from the dust and light. We purchase our acid free packaging from Preservation Equipment Ltd but they are quite pricey so I would recommend shopping around.

For the paintings I would suggest that if you hang them make sure that it is on an internal wall not an external wall. The fluctuations in temperature can affect warping in paper and cracking in paint over time. You mention that the drawings are in coal. I am guessing that these will then smudge easily. I would recommend not stacking them as they may rub against each other and damage the drawing. Having them framed would be the best way to protect them. If you have them framed make sure to request acid free for the mounts and anything coming into contact with the picture. For all the items I would suggest keeping them in a stable temperature and out of direct light as this causes irreparable damage.

Monday, 15 November 2010