Two things affecting
the black and white photograph in storage, assuming it has been processed
properly to eliminate residual chemicals are: firstly airborne contamination,
mainly industrial fumes, car exhaust etc. Selenium toning during processing
is the best protection here, or use of a treatment such as Agfa Sistan.
The other problem is chemical action due to impure mounting materials
that the print is in close contact with e.g. cheap mounting boards, non-permanent
adhesive tapes etc.. The long term effect of both of these will be various
forms of gradual image tarnishing, usually starting at the edge of the
print, and accompanied by embrittlement of the paper base.
Displaying the print
The authentic 'archival mat' consists of a bevel cut window mat and backing
board, made from Conservation, or preferably Museum Board. Acid-free tapes
can be used over corners made of acid-free paper to hold the print in
place without directly attaching it to the mount. There are various options
in this, using archival paper and polyester. A print matted in this way
is well prepared and protected both for display, or storage as below.
Storing the print
Unmounted prints can be held in enclosures cut from archival quality paper,
or in transparent polyester sleeves, which are completely inert, protect
during handling, and prevent surface abrasion during handling in storage.
Prints in window mounts, in sleeves, or loose can be stored in a variety
of archival quality Print Boxes or Portfolio Cases.
The Timecare System
The system provides an integrated archival storage and display system
for photographic materials. For prints this consists of ranges of relatively
cheap die-cut storage boxes, and the more elaborate 'Portfolio' boxes.
Fitting into these are choices of print storage envelope, either clear
polyester sleeves, or pHoton archival paper folders. An equivalent range
is available for negative storage, including the 4-hole ringbinder 'Time
Traveller' boxes, which accept any 4-hole punched file sheet, either 'AS'
polyester, standard polyester, or proprietary acetate and glassine types.