|
For carrying and storing life drawings and sketches, a flat folder made from an appliance box will be fine. For works on quality paper, use a corflute folder, to prevent contact with acidic cardboard. Chalk, pastel and charcoal drawings may be interleaved with acid-free tissue (available from art shops). Plastic sleeves are not really suitable, as work tends to stick to the inside of the sleeve. Ideally have one for unused paper, a work-in progress folder and a another for finished works.
If you need to post a drawing, use a piece of tissue over the face of the artwork, roll carefully and place in a postal tube. For an important piece you may want to invest in a short length of PVC plumbing pipe. It will cost extra to post, but will protect all those hours of work.
For more permanent storage, investing in a set of plan drawers is well worth the expense. Different types of paper can then be easily stored and completed works left relatively undisturbed.
Paper has many enemies! The main ones are:
-
Acidity: inherent, or acquired by skin contact or storage with acidic materials. (Use acid-free paper, avoid excessive handling, use a paper stump rather than fingers to blend or smudge, and store in a suitable folder.) Frame using archival materials.
-
Sunlight: causes rapid deterioration of most papers and pigments, so avoid displaying works on paper in a sunny area, particularly if any of the materials are of inferior quality. The effect of sunlight is heightened by use of non-reflective glass, which allows more UV rays to penetrate than ordinary reflective glass.
-
Moisture: causes a variety of evils including buckling of paper and moulds. Keep your work in a dry place, ensuring it is fully dry before storage. Frame with a matt keeping the surface off the glass.
-
Silverfish: love art papers; try sachets of lavender to keep them at bay. Tape up the backs of frames to keep them out.
-
Other vermin: cockroaches, mice, rats... whether eating or leaving a mess behind, they can really do some damage. Use whatever means necessary!
-
Transport: Secure artwork in folders taped closed, so that it is held fast and will not slide down (causing wrinkles and folds), (if others are handling your artwork, they may not follow 'keep flat' instructions!) Enclose folders in plastic bags. Include on your inventory. You may need additional insurance for a valuable collection.
|
