The care and display autographs which you treasure is important.  Imagine in your collection an album page with an autograph of Elvis Presley that becomes yellow and brittle while on display in your home.  Or imagine a signed copy of an Einstein manuscript on relativity that develops faded print and mold on its pages.  Unless the autograph collector maintains his collection in a protective environment, autographs will be damaged or forever lost.

The vast majority of autographed material consists of signed album pages, file cards, letters and documents, and books.  The composition of paper is an important consideration when judging the longevity and value of an autograph.  Paper with a high acid or lignan content, such as newspaper, are prone to rapid deterioration even under optimum conditions.  Autographs on this type of paper are bound to fade and deteriorate rapidly unless precautions are taken.

Important external sources that threaten the preservation of autographed paper material include: 1) contact with acidic materials; 2) air pollution; 3) ultraviolet light; 4) high temperatures; 5) adverse humidity; 6) attack by molds; 7) careless handling.  Keep these important factors in mind when it comes to the care and display of autographs.

Acids present in book jacket covers, matting material, bookmarks, file folders and standard cardboard boxes break down the cellulose matrix of paper.  Therefore, autographed paper material should be maintained in an acid-free environment.  Testing kits are available for determining the presence of acid in storage media.  However, many major suppliers provide storage products for paper that are acid-free.

Air pollution is a prevalent problem between city and suburban dwellers where atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide are abundant.  Sulfur dioxide attacks paper causing discoloration, embrittlement and gradual deterioration.  Air-conditioning with filters or airtight enclosures may help prevent pollutant contact and subsequent damage.  A variety of air-filter units may be used in conjunction with air-conditioning systems.  However, units that filter air by electrostatic precipitation should be avoided because the ozone it produces is harmful to paper collectibles.

Light is a major enemy of paper.  Light greatly accelerates the chemical breakdown of paper and fading of ink signatures.  The optimum amount of light necessary for distinguishing colors and appreciating details, but minimizing light damage is about five foot candles, or roughly one 150 watt bulb.  Ultraviolet light, present in natural sunlight, is by far the most damaging constituent of light.

To avoid direct exposure top harmful ultraviolet, the autograph collector may use special UV-blocking enclosures.  This includes Plexiglas UF3 or inexpensive UV-filtering acetate films that can be applied directly on glass enclosures.  UV-filtering protective sleeves may be retrofitted on fluorescent light fixtures.

High temperatures should be avoided whenever possible.  A temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit plus/minus 5 degrees is a reasonable compromise between human comfort and conditions consistent with paper preservation.  Chemical reactions leading to paper deterioration double with every 10 degree centigrade rise in temperature.

Excessive humidity promotes the growth of mold and mildew.  Red-brown mold spots that appear on paper collectibles are known as "foxing."  Mold growth may be prevented by maintaining a relative humidity (RH) of less than 70%.  The British Museum attempts to maintain an RH at a stable level between 50 and 60%.  Elaborate dehumidifier and humidifying systems are available, but they may be prohibitively expensive and impractical.

Autographed paper collections stored in cabinets or similar enclosures may be protected from excess humidity by placing silica gels within the enclosure.  Silica gels are inexpensive desiccants that are chemically inert and non-inflammable.

Silica gel is readily obtained at many art and library supply vendors.  It is prepared by heating to 100 degrees and then placing the gel in cloth sachets or grated aluminum canisters in a ration of 20 kg per cubic meter of case volume.

The silica gel will provide a good buffer in maintaining humidity at a stable level for an extended period of time and may be re-heated whenever necessary.  Humidity levels in enclosures may be periodically checked with an inexpensive hydrometer.

Autographed paper collectibles require diligent handling to prevent creasing, staining, and outright destruction.  Loose album pages should be handled from the edges and ideally with cotton gloves to prevent skin oil from discoloring paper.  Books projecting from a shelf, particularly thick books with heavy spines are prone to sagging and text dropping at the foredge.  Books should be removed from shelves by grasping the center of the spine and not the headband at the top of the spine.  Bookends should be acid-free and without projections that slide under or into books.  Placing a book flat on a platen of a photocopy machine will quickly damage the binding structure.

The ultimate enemy of autographed material is fire.  Collectors should consider installing smoke detectors in areas containing collectibles and having fire extinguishers in close proximity.  Fire extinguishers with halon are recommended by many experts since halon is relatively inert and will cause minimal damage to paper collectibles.

Pests notorious for causing damage to autographed paper material include silverfish, book lice, woodworms, and termites.  To prevent infestation, do not store autographs in places that are damp and dark such as garages.  Insecticide application in enclosed areas, if necessary, should be performed with care as to avoid contact with paper.

Autograph collectors take pride in developing a treasury of material.  With proper care and maintenance, a valuable treasury of quality autographs may be preserved, passed down from generation to generation, and enjoyed for many years.

The recommendations provided in this article are of a general nature.  The suggestions can be useful for collectors who are interested in the care and display of autographs.  However, collectors should consult with a qualified conservator for their specific requirements.

Back to Articles home page from Care and Display of Autographs

Copyright © FamousChecks