How
do I preserve my old family photos?
STEP 1
Have a good copy made, through
digital media for example, this means that if anything were
to happen to the original, at least you have a back up copy. If
you have negatives, where possible keep these negatives in an
entirely different location, then place your originals in an appropriate
storage environment. Make multiple copies of your CDs and distribute
amoung the family.
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Old albums can be wrapped in archival
tissue and placed in archival boxes |
STEP
2
Store in an appropriate environment. Use archival
sleeves, boxes or albums. Photos like to live in an environment
like us; that is, not too hot, not too cold, not too damp, not
too dry and without temperature swings (cold at night, warm during
the day).
They also like to be able to breathe, so a tightly enclosed fireproof
container might not be the best way to go, an acid free box with
prints separated by acid free tissue placed under the bed sounds
much more comfortable.
Deterioration will always continue but it usually
takes a long time, so take time to research your needs. Once you
have housed your prints in archival storage materials, you have
accomplished a great deal and you can be sure that you have slowed
the process down. |
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Framing old photos?
We think that it is a better idea to frame a copy. Exposure
to light is most damaging and will speed up the deterioration
process; frame the copy so that the original can be put
away safely. If you really want to frame the original, use
an acid free mat and acid free backing along with conservation
glass. |
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