Mounting photos

* Archival-grade supplies like gummed tape, albums and sleeves will help to prolong the life of your photos.
* If you have an old album with photographs in it, you can help to preserve them by layering each page with acid-free tissue or photographic conservation paper.
* It's tempting to write information on the back of a photo, especially in ink. However, it is best to write any information on the back with an HB pencil.
* As well as an archival grade album, use polyester corner mounts. Don't glue photos directly into the album. Instead, lay the photo on the page or weigh the photo down with a clear piece of paper and a weight. Pencil mark the corners and position the corner mounts around the photo. You may need tweezers to do this.
* If there is information you want to include about a photo, you can write it under the photo in pencil or with a fountain pen with a stable ink such as Quink.
* When handling photos, hold them by the edge so you don't touch the emulsion.
* Keep photos in a cool, dry place and out of direct light; beware of insect attack. Regular checks will help save your photos from damage.


Picture framing

Framed items are vulnerable to damage from the front, from the back and from the materials framing them.

The back should be covered with a sturdy archival grade material. If the front is covered with glass (which is good for protecting the piece from many types of accidental damage), it's important to make sure it blocks ultraviolet light.

If you're going to do the framing yourself, you should be aware that unsealed wood can give off acid vapours which harm works of art and photos. The inside of the frame should be sealed with a frame-sealing tape (archival quality) that has an aluminium barrier.

Once you select the size of backing board, you will need to cut a mat and back mat the same size for the picture. The back mat will be used to mount the picture and the backing board goes on the back of the frame. The mat protects the picture by preventing the glass from resting on it.

Mark the location of the picture with a pencil (if you use the picture as a guide, cover it with a piece of clean blotting paper and weigh it down). Remove the picture and cut the opening with a mat or card cutter.

When attaching the picture to the back mat, remember to attach it in places only at the top. This allows it to react to changes in temperature and moisture. It should be attached with a gummed archival tape. Avoid self-adhesive archival tapes as the adhesive might be unsafe.

Once the picture is in the frame, use the same gummed tape for sealing the back. This will reduce the amount of dirt and the number of insects that can get in.

If you find damage to a work of art on paper (or a book) contact a paper conservator. If there is damage to a painting contact an easel painting conservator or a frame conservator to deal with important frames.

Storage and moving

* When handling any framed piece, remember to carry it with one hand on the bottom. It's not unusual to see badly framed pieces fall out of their frames.
* When storing an item make sure it's wrapped in a safe material such as acid-free tissue, or a clean white cloth or sheet. It should then be wrapped in bubble wrap. It's a good idea to put extra padding on the corners. Also, make sure the photos are not leaning against another painting or against furniture.
* The storage area should have a stable temperature and humidity - ideally around 15°C to 19°C and 40 to 55 per cent relative humidity. Make sure the area is clean and there are no signs of insects.


Information courtesy of Sharon Manitta.