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Preserving Rare Books
Books are robust objects that fail in predictable ways. This guide covers shelving, handling, environment and the interventions an owner should never attempt.
Preservation & Care · 4 min read
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Preservation & Care
Practical, conservative guidance on keeping paper-based collections stable: environment, enclosures, handling and the point at which a conservator should be consulted.
All guides in Preservation & Care
Preservation & Care · 4 min read
Preserving Manuscripts
Manuscripts are unique, and their materials behave differently from printed books. This guide addresses parchment, ink corrosion, seals and the housing that manuscript material requires.
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Preservation & Care · 4 min read
Preserving Works on Paper
Light is the principal threat to drawings, watercolours, prints and photographs, and its effects cannot be reversed. This guide covers framing, glazing, display periods and safe storage.
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Preservation & Care · 4 min read
Storage & Conservation
A collection is only as secure as the room it occupies. This guide sets out the environment, materials, documentation and emergency planning that responsible stewardship requires.
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Questions on Preservation & Care
- What conditions should I keep paper in?
- How damaging is light?
- What housing materials should I use?
- How should I handle a manuscript or print?
- Should books be stored upright or flat?
- Is framing safe for a valuable work?