SOHS Collections Department wrote: > > How do you manage your collection of framed photographic portraits? > (I'm talking about photographs that are in their original frames...like the > wonderful gilded frames). Keep them together, but by all means have a Photograph Conservator look at them. Look on the Cons DistList for literature; see below Mail submissions to [log in to unmask] Administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc) to [log in to unmask] DistList Archives: All instances of the DistList are available (both for browsing by whole items and searching for individual messages): http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/ The ConsDir is available at the same site. To learn how to select a Conservator and obtain a referral, contact AIC at URL: <http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/aic/>. > Do you keep the original image in the frame? Yes, unless there is a problem with the frame, mat or mount. Ask a Conservator. >Do you make an archival copy of the image? (Say for use in your library) Not a bad idea, but not needed if you have other more pressing conservation needs. >Do you separate the image from the frame and store them separately? Not unless this needs to be done for the reasons above. >Do you re-mat the photos in their frames but with archivally sound backing > material? I'm curious. I'd also like to know if your perspective is that > of a curator, librarian/archivist, conservator, and so forth. I'm sure > there are varying opinions on this question. Thanks! They might need to be rematted, reframed or otherwise, but this depends on the historic nature of the mount its ability to destroy the photograph and many other factors. At least call a Conservator! To learn how to select a Conservator and obtain a referral, contact AIC at URL: <http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/aic/>. Timothy Vitale Paper and Photograph Conservator & Preservation Consultant 408-684-2731 office 408-335-2541 studio, afternoons and eves 408-684-1847 fax