The Storage of Art on Paper: A Basic Guide for Institutions

Citation

Brown, B. (2002), "The Storage of Art on Paper: A Basic Guide for Institutions", Library Review, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 107-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2002.51.2.107.3

As a librarian with responsibility for delivering training programmes on the handling and preservation of special collections material, I can guarantee that this occasional paper tells you everything you really need to know, in 30 pages. Author, Sherelyn Ogden, Head of Conservation, Minnesota Historical Society, has used her experience and practical knowledge as a consultant, to compile a very practical, detailed guide to the storage and preservation of works of art on paper. Much of what she writes is relevant to the storage of all paper manuscripts and documents, which makes this occasional paper a useful resource for all librarians working in special collections departments.

Paper is a relatively fragile material and is thus particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of poor storage and improper handling, the consequence of which can be to severely shorten the life of the document. The author provides guidelines on selecting storage enclosures of suitable quality; how to identify and use the most appropriate type of enclosures and furniture; and the importance of observing sound handling practices. The paper aims to show that preventative care is a realistic goal and that it can be achieved relatively inexpensively by following sound guidelines and procedures.

Sherelyn Ogden argues quite rightly that our first consideration should be the location and features of the storage space; taking into account temperature, relative humidity, light, air quality, water and fire, biological agents, theft and vandalism. The selection of storage enclosures should then consider chemical stability; for example, acid‐free paper should always be used, and wooden shelves avoided due to the harmful acids and other substances emitted. The particular needs of oversized items are also considered. Procedures for handling the actual items also need to be strictly observed in order to minimise damage during consultations or when an item is required to be transported. The correct education of visitors to collections is vital with rules clearly laid out and followed.

This paper includes the most up‐to‐date research on storage and preservation of works of art on paper. There is a full bibliography referring to more detailed texts. This is an excellent, very practical and informative guide. If you read and absorbed the contents of this one occasional paper, you would be well on the way to preserving our special collections for the future.