Rigid Photo Holder Question

[Huntzman]

OK, I have amassed a large quantity of the post war signed photos. Most of which are your normal 4"x5.75" format.

Framing them individually is out of the question, due to the amount I would need and space constraints.

I had an idea of creating my own wood frame which would allow me to slide the rigid PVC photo holders inside. I would also be able to swap out photos easily to update / switch around the display.

Now my question is, what is the opinion of these holders ? I got the idea from seeing sports cards displayed this way. These are the ones I plan on using:

http://www.bcwsupplies.com/products/...oad-Holder.htm

Mind you these are not period photos, but current ones that are signed.

Thoughts, opinions, ideas ?!?!!?

Thanks,
Andrew

[Paul R.]

There has been a lot of different studies over the last 25 years by several different groups. To my knowledge all have reported almost the same onclusions. Yes, there are many on this site that say I am calling wolf. Draw your own conclusions. Here's one of many sites I've posted a link to. http://www.chej.org/BESAFE/pvc/about.htm
As a conservator I would say no either to a peroid photo or a repo image

[Huntzman]

Paul

Thanks for the reply. OK then, if not PVC then what would you suggest ? Any alternative rigid photo holders that would provide protection yet allow them to be displayed along the lines of what I mentioned in my 1st post ?

Would this information impact on the issue: The PVC used in BCW hard sleeves contain no plasticizers or stearates. Our high impact grade PVC does not migrate and will not harm your cards, photos, prints or currency, while offering maximum protection and visual appeal.

Andrew

[Paul R.]

Hi Andrew, Mylar would be my first choice. I would not attempt to store any photo, or repo photo together in a stacked method there are several reasons. Humidity, dirt, finger, and hand oil. With expanding of paper with humidity and heat. Most camera stores and frame shops have storage items for sale. Also comic and baseball card store have storage items also. Be sure the item doesn’t contain in PVC. Be sure of what the store sells are acid free. It the package doesn’t say acid free do not buy it. Some stores sell one page at a time in a bin. If the stores clerk doesn’t know don’t buy it. Get the company's name and fine out yourself.

[Huntzman]

Now this might be a stupid question, but......................

What about inserting the photo first into a plastic sleeve and then into the rigid photo holder ?

The idea I had was to build a wooden frame (large size like 4' x 3') and insert wood strips in the back as rails to then insert the rigid holders and allow them to slide across.

So thats the display I have in mind, just need to figure out how to get the pics in them.

Something I thought was easy, isn't so much now.

EDIT - How about Vinyl Rigid Holders ???

[Paul R.]

Andrew... look at the pinned article at the top of the conservation area on plastics.