Do's...

Tears and fading can often be shown ‘corrected’ in the final print.

Do have them copied, and display and handle the copies, not the originals.

Do copy the photographs by digital scanning – tears and fading can often be shown ‘corrected’ in the final print.

Do put the originals in individual envelopes, sleeves or pockets, ideally made of a chemically inert but ‘see-through’ material such as polyester.

Archival Box Binder.

Do place the sleeved originals in a tin, folder or Archival Box Binder.  The latter is best, as a ‘D-ring’ binder allows suspension of the sleeves when the Box is stored on a shelf, so no weight rests on the next document.

Do put the Box Binder in a dark place that is neither too hot or cold (bedroom cupboards are good; avoid lofts and anywhere near a heat or water source such as a radiator).

Don'ts...

Don't put original documents or photographs out on display as they will fade and degrade in light.

Don't use ordinary clear vinyl document wallets, A4 ‘pockets’ or ‘display books’ (these contain plasticisers, catalysts and solvents that will damage the contents over time).

 

Polyester document sleeve.

Don't try and repair documents and photographs with sellotape or similar products - the adhesive will dry out and mark paper over time. It's best to simply put fragile paper in a polyester sleeve.

Don't put old photographs in albums with self-adhesive pages - the adhesive will dry out and mark the photographs over a surprisingly short period of time.

Don't put pressure on originals by overfilling containers. Also avoid storing in flat piles.

Don't handle originals, even if ‘sleeved’, more than is necessary.