Artcare - Auckland Art Gallery

Paper: Works / Books / Archivesthe event of flooding. It is sensible to put larger, heavierinner folder madeof acid-free paperouter folder madeof acid-free papersolander boxboxes on the lower shelves for ease of access.Storage Boxes—commercially available storageboxes, known as solander boxes, are available in standardsizes, constructed from a variety of acid-free materials.Boxes should be strong and rigid, and made fromthe best quality materials. The lid of the box should fitwell to keep out dust. Simpler storage boxes can be constructedfrom acid-free corrugated card. Storage boxesshould never be overfilled as this will result in damageto the works of art.Folders—are useful as extra protection when storingworks in cabinets and drawers, and also for storageof large works of art on paper. Folders prevent movementand abrasion of works when drawers are openedand closed and works removed. Folders should be madefrom 2-ply acid-free board, although larger works mayrequire a thicker board so that the folder is rigid enoughto support the work. Folders with four flaps secure thework most effectively. The board should be lightlyscored before folding in the flaps.Storing Large Works of Art on Paper—flat storageis recommended for large works of art on paper, in foldersor interleaved with acid-free tissue in shallow drawersor boxes.Large works of art on paper should only be rolled asa last option. The work should be rolled with the imageside out around a large-diameter tube made from acidfreeboard or covered with Mylar. Once rolled the workshould be wrapped in acid-free tissue. This method isnot suitable for fragile works such as those withcracked, flaking or friable media.Storing Framed Works of Art on Paper—framed worksof art on paper must be stored vertically, with the imagethe right way up. Exceptions to this are fragile works,such as pastels, which may require horizontal storagedue to the loosely bound media. Framed works stored onshelves must be divided with sheets of board, and shouldnot be tightly packed.16