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kirsty

Joined: 19 Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Location: Stockport

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 2:52 pm Post subject: Old documents

Not sure if this is the right place so mods feel free to move.
Wondering if anyone has experience of preserving old documents? I've found a map of London transport from the 1948 London Olympics, folded numerous times at the bottom of an old tin box from my dad. I've opened it out but it's splitting down all the folds.
Other than Sellotape down every single crease I can't think of a way to stop it disintegrating.
Also, I know this is in reuse and recycle but don't worry, I'm not expecting it to be of any use this summer! My Dad kept so few things I know that if he was hanging on to this it must have been important to him and so is therefore important to me.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 2:57 pm Post subject:
Try a picture framer - they will probably know conservators who can stabilise the map - then frame it. DON'T use sellotape (or any of its cousins) Please!

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 2:57 pm Post subject:
Seems OK as a place for it to me. Sally-in Wales knows about this sort of stuff but I think she's away for the weekend so it may be a while before she sees this post. Edit: Cross-posted with Midland Spinner. Sorry. Last edited by sean on Sat Jun 09, 12 3:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

kirsty

Joined: 19 Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Location: Stockport

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 3:10 pm Post subject:
Thanks, a picture framers sounds good. I really want to do as little damage to it as possible so agree that Sellotape would almost be as bad as letting it moulder away.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 3:12 pm Post subject:
The things our families leave are precious even when they 'aren't worth anything' to anyone else.

Went

Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 3:22 pm Post subject:

kirsty wrote:

Thanks, a picture framers sounds good. I really want to do as little damage to it as possible so agree that Sellotape would almost be as bad as letting it moulder away.

I have this which is older and in a similar condition- it is now sandwiched between to sheets of glass and framed and kept out of direct sunlight - seems to be holding steady and no further deterioration.

Click to see full size image

Bebo

Joined: 21 May 2007
Posts: 12590
Location: East Sussex

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 3:27 pm Post subject:
Must do something similar with my dads indentured apprentice contract from 1943.

Midland Spinner

Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 2931
Location: Under a green roof

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 3:34 pm Post subject:

sean wrote:

Edit: Cross-posted with Midland Spinner. Sorry.

That's OK

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sat Jun 09, 12 4:49 pm Post subject:
There is special fabric/linen based tape that is used for this type of work. Sellotape doesn't last and it yellows and marks the paper. Have a look on this site for something like this? https://www.preservationequipment.com/Store/Products/Archival-Storage/Labels-$4-Tapes/Document-Repair-Tape

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Sun Jun 10, 12 7:54 am Post subject:
Conservators use acid free paper and boxes to store paperwork etc in. There is a special thing you can use to strengthen paper (used in folds and edges, but cant remember what it is called. You could ask at your local museum.

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45676
Location: Essex

Posted: Sun Jun 10, 12 9:29 am Post subject:
Kirsty can you get it scanned as well (or a photo), be nice to see it

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Sun Jun 10, 12 9:52 am Post subject:
You could try your county records office (at the library service) or even one in that London. They will probably be interested and even if they can't advise they may be able to suggest someone who can?

kirsty

Joined: 19 Aug 2008
Posts: 46
Location: Stockport

Posted: Sun Jun 10, 12 2:03 pm Post subject:
Just ordered some of the tape suggested by Cathryn and have a friend with a spare clip frame that should be big enough. I'm back at work/school tomorrow so will talk nicely to the reprographics man to see if he can scan it in for me! Many thanks for all the replies guys

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