Need Suggestions for Source for Archival Presentation (Portfolio) Books?

[Andre Noble]

I have no satisfactory system right now for storing archivally processed B&W and color prints. I'm interested in archivally safe 8x10 or 11x14 type presentation books/portfolios for easy storage and viewing. Please lead me in the right dire ction. Thanks. Andre

[Wayne_6692]

Check these links - request catalogs.

http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/servlet/OnlineShopping

http://www.universityproducts.com/

http://www.acecam.com/cr7index.html

[Dave Willison]

Andre:

For storage purposes I normally use Visual Systems Tru Core Drop-Front boxes in 8x10 (8 1/2 x 10 1/2) and 11x14 (11 1/4 x 15). The boxes come in 1 1/2" and 3" depths and cost about $8-10 depending on the size. According to Visual Systems, Drop-Front Boxes are designed for the long-term protection of prints, documents, and artwork. All Drop-Front boxes are made of either .060 TrueCore? board with a pH of 8.5 - 10.0, or .055 TrueCore? board with a pH of 8.0 to 9.5. Both boards are buffered with calcium carbonate, 3% reserve. The tan board is light-fast and non-bleeding. The black board is pigment-based and light-fast. Both boards are acid-free and lignin-free, high alpha-cellulose purified pulp. Both pass the P.A.T. These heavyweight boxes have metal reinforced edges for added protection. Each box has a fully removable cover and a drop-front bottom so the contents can be inserted and removed safely, without bending or damage.

Visual Systems also makes a wide variety of portfolios and presentation binders. If you plan on producing a large number of portfolios, however, I would suggest that you make them yourself. The process is simple and you can use the same material (True-Core) noted above. Pick up a copy of Franz Zier's book "Books, Boxes, And Portfolios" (also avilable from Visual Systems).

Hope this helps.

.................................

[Andre Noble]

Thanks for the links Wayne. I was hoping that someone may have had a similar concern and therefore a specific recommendation for a truly archival product too. Andre

[Andre Noble]

Beat me to it Dave, thanks! Andre

[kthompson]

Andre, you might be interested in this site, Conservation OnLine

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/

CoOL, has an extensive list of links, lists, suppliers etc. for the world of paer & object conservation, museums, archives etc. An enclosure should pass the PAT to be considered "safe", but just because something is considered safe for one material, is not a blanket recommendation for all...i.e. what's good for color, may not be so for b&w....in addition to LI, other companies are Gaylord Brothers, TALAS, Hollinger, University Products, Archivart, Metal Edge and Conservation Resources Int'l. CRI has a pretyy extensive line of boards & enclosures that are sort of unique, if not expensive....they use a type of "trap" or "barrier" type board, that comes in different grades that's good for protection against atmospheric pollutants...these run under the names Microchamber and there are simialr products like Lig Free II boards etc.....we don't use a whole lot of this stuff because it really is quite expensive....but htese are sort of more "modern" enclosure designs as compared to a reg. Hollinger box. Since I'm talking products & suppliers, let me say:

Opinions expressed in this message may not represent the policy of my agency.

In other words, these are MY opinions.

good luck, p.s. if you want to make 'em yourself, just about all these companies will sell you the boards, sheets, interleaving tissues, polyester tape, ethafoam etc....

[Andre Noble]

Mr. Thompson, belated thanks for this tip. Andre