Posted by Gary G. on April 27, 1997 at 20:33:43:
In Reply to: backing & other concerns posted by Larry Weingartner on April 26, 1997 at 22:46:49:
: To what extent does backing affect the value of a print? Also, how should prints be stored or framed? Should I be worried about worm holes?
A backing that promotes the deterioration of the print is
not desirable. This would be an acidic backing of some
sort, carboard, pulp paper, etc..
There is a safe backing called an "album backing". This
was put on by the publisher of the print in order to add stability
when bound in book form. This backing is generally
mulberry paper (as is the print) and attached using rice
glue. This backing can be removed, though it is benign and
many find the risks associated with its removal are not justified.
Few prints have survived to this time in good condition, and those
that were bound in albums had the greatest chance. As for a backing
affecting a prints value... If a collector had the choice of two
prints of equal quality, one with an album backing
and the other without, one would be inclined to go with the
the unmodified print. A collector should, however, consider the lack of an album backing
as enhancing the value a print, not that an album backing detracts from
its value.
Worm holes were created by silk worms long ago and
will not get worse.
There are many different archival storage systems. You
might call "LIGHT IMPRESSIONS" 1-800-828-6216 for a catalog of their
products. The key is an acid free, climate controlled environment
with minimal exposure to ultra-violet light.