Fine art prints are not permanent objects. They are made of materials — paper, ink, binding agents, toning compounds — that respond to their environment over time. The enemies are not exotic or difficult to understand: light, humidity, temperature fluctuation, and pollution are responsible for the vast majority of print degradation. Understanding how each works allows … [Read more...] about How Humidity and Light Degrade Prints Over Time
archival
Matting and Framing Decisions That Affect Long-Term Archival Quality
Framing is where many collectors make choices that compromise the long-term condition of their prints — not out of indifference but out of unfamiliarity with the materials involved. The frame shop around the corner may use beautiful mouldings but equip them with materials that damage prints over time. Understanding what to ask for and why makes it possible to insist on archival … [Read more...] about Matting and Framing Decisions That Affect Long-Term Archival Quality
Storing Unframed Prints Correctly
The majority of a collection — in most cases — is in storage rather than on display at any given time. How unframed prints are stored is therefore one of the most consequential decisions a collector makes, and also one of the most frequently neglected. Poor storage conditions can cause more damage than poor display, because the consequences are not visible until significant … [Read more...] about Storing Unframed Prints Correctly