Plus a note on works of art on paper

A mount or frame should always be selected to protect as well as to enhance a document. Some frequently practised techniques not only fail to protect, but are potentially damaging to original documents. You must persuade your framer to use best quality archival materials this will offer good value in the long term.

The familiar signs of decay in old frames, such as dirt, yellowing, brittleness, foxing and insect infestation, result from acid boards, badly fitting frames and ordinary glass, therefore the protection must be internal and external. A frame should protect from atmospheric pollution, the inherent instability of the paper or parchment, light, heat, humidity, insects and man.

The following points will ensure long life to your documents, photographs and works of art. If you can display a copy, this will preserve the original and will be less expensive.

• Prepare your document. Do not glue it to a backing board, or trim to size or fold or mark the paper, these will effect its value. If the item is damaged or decayed already, conservation treatment by a qualified conservator may be necessary.

• There are two types of board that are suitable for Conservation mounting, Museum and Conservation, because the mount and backing board are in direct contact with the document they must be of the best quality. Ask you framer for a Conservation mount.

• When mounting photographs, a pure unbuffered rag board should be used, as an alkaline board may affect them.

• Glazing. The document should never touch the glass, the framer will use fillets to achieve this. The harmful effects of light can be minimised by using ultra violet filters, such as filtered glass or UVA Perspex.

• If using old frames ensure that they are sound and free from dirt and insect infestation. Use non-rusting tacks or nails. The back-board should be made of an inert material, with a lining of ‘Melinex’ (polyester film). The final air gap should be sealed with a good quality gummed paper, not a self-adhesive tape. Preserve old framer’s labels and inscriptions, add a label that states the work has been completed to conservation standards.

• Hang the finished frame away from direct heat, such as a radiator and on a wall which does not face a window.

• For Local framing services see the relevant web-page.

• Works of art on paper in need of conservation are best treated by a qualified fine art or prints & drawings conservator. Devon Record Office staff can offer light cleaning and interleaving of ‘art’ books.

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