Displaying my collection!

[Debra James]

Hi Guys!

Im having a bit of a problem, The only place I can display my items in my room is on a bookcase, but I am worried that they might get damaged from sun/dust/niece etc. Does anybody have any ideas?? because I cant frame stuff and hang it from my wall and the bookcase is made up from squares that are about 30cm wide and 30cm up, does anybody have any ideas?? If you like I can post some pics.

Thx in advance

Debs

[Greg Kubasek]

I don't know if you can add a little cabinet to your space. I'm looking at a few from Ikea as they are not that expensive. As it stands right now I have all my stuff in little display case "thingies" on my coffee table and I'm getting rather cluttered.

I like this one its $200 CDN

http://www.ikea.ca/PIAimages/23467_PE108219_S4.jpg

and this one is a little less at $99 CDN

http://www.ikea.ca/PIAimages/20306_PE079916_S4.jpg

I was looking at them in the store the other day and they have a pretty small footprint which is good as I am in an apartment condo and space is valuable.


Hope this helps?

Greg

[Debra James]

Ohhh they are nice cases!! I got all my bedroom stuff from Ikea, but there is absoulutley no more space, the glass case is really nice and would go lovley with my stuff, but I can barley fit in there myself!! I really need to have something which I can use in the space I have got, which is the problem, so im really looking for cheapish cases, or any tips of how I can protect my stuff!!

[Maximiliano]

Very nice cases.

[Si1964]

Debs

Without showing too much of your bedroom, maybe you can show us a photo, so we have some idea of the space problems. You'll be surprised how people here deal with confined spaces.

[Si1964]

I caught up with your collection, you can get small glass fronted cases which you could display your medals in, although in some threads there is mention that some of the man made fibres are not always good for long term exposure.

For your loose photos the old special photo albums will help preserve them and will store nicely in your book case. Same acid free paper type albums you could store your docs in, again making storage in your book case easier.

[Debra James]

I will post a pic tody so you can get a better perspective! Where can I get a photo album like that?

[Si1964]

Debs

I can't find the link at the moment or the web site in my fav's, so I will have another scan later.

[Debra James]

Problem solved guys!!! I took gregs advice and squeezed a cabinet in behind my door, I actually bought the glass one which was £35 from ikea, and then my boyfrined put lights in it so it looks really cool now, I will post a pic tonite.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions, I would still like to get one of those those photo albums because I have alot of loose photos.

Would the lights damage any of my stuff? I have seen displays on here with lights in cabinets so i thought it would be OK, im not going to have them on all the time.

[Tom M]

Look forward to seeing it Deb

[PaulR]

I believe that the only type of light that will cause fading of cloth is UV from the sun... Correct me if I am wrong!

Best regards
Paul Reck

[Debra James]

mmm thats what I thought!! It does make it look alot better than being stuck on a shelf on my bookcase, and it was such a bargin aswell, we love IKEA!!!

[David C]

I believe that the only type of light that will cause fading of cloth is UV from the sun... Correct me if I am wrong!

Best regards
Paul Reck

I would be more concerned with the heat than the light. While we certainly don't want high humidity we don't want it too low either.


Cheers,
David.

[Airborne Nut]

I posted before on this as I have had some experience with enclosed cabitnets. Don't get to close with the light to the medals, etc... The heat could do damage. The hotter it gets the less humidity there will be, which could also be a problem as David pointed out. I don't want to alarm anyone but does anyone remember a little invention called the easy bake oven? Well it cooked cupcakes with a lightbulb. If you cabinet is not well ventillated and the light is left on for too long (Especially hallogen lights) that is exactly what you will end up with, a giant easy bake oven. Call me over critical and yes I am a worry wart but hell, if it can cook a cupcake it can cook a ribbon/ dry out paper, etc...

Vertillate that baby and remember hot air rises.

My suggestion would be to put a temperature meter in the cabinet while you are home with the light on. If the temp isn't too hot then go for it, it it gets too damn hot, then rethink your logic. Please note do not test your cabinet when you are asleep or at work, I'd hate for you to wake up with the fire alarm going off.

Yes I worry too much but these awards are our responsibility ot conserver for the next generation and I like to err on the side of caution. As for me I have plans for a master storrage system that is lit, and yes it will have LOTS of ventillation. In fact it has it's own air supply and air purification system. (Just got to save the cashola) should have it in about 5-10 years which isn't so bad as I am a younger collector with nothing but time.



-Shane

I would be more concerned with the heat than the light. While we certainly don't want high humidity we don't want it too low either.


Cheers,
David.

[Si1964]

Bit of a dumb question, but what is the right humidity? Are we talking different combinations for different types of collection, medals, p/wk uniforms?

Thanks