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This article is written by David Beech, FRPSL and published
here with his kind consent. |
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| How to look after your Collection - A Basic Guide |
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Based on a Paper given at the 87th Philatelic Congress of Great
Britain, Derby on 8th July, 2005
Introduction
Many philatelists understand that they are the guardians of the material
in their collections for themselves and for future owners. It is
unfortunate when some collectors show a disregard for looking after
their collection and dismiss comment with a remark like “it will be OK
in my life time”. It is to show that looking after your collection is
not a complicated affair that I have written this article. Having said
that this is a brief or basic guide only and interested parties seeking
more comprehensive information should consult a professional paper
conservator.
The British Library is custodian of national collections of
international importance some of which have been in its care for over
250 years. During this period it has developed, along with the library
and archive community, policies and practices designed to protect those
collections. The curators’ job is to understand the issues and work with
the conservator, who will have specialist knowledge and practical
experience. In 1989 the British Library published the book The Care and
Preservation of Philatelic Materials, written by the late T J Collings,
a leading paper conservation expert, and R F Schoolley-West, FRPSL
former Head of the Philatelic Collections. This title appeared in two
editions, one in collaboration with the American Philatelic Society.
To break down the subject into manageable portions I have divided it
into seven sections which are: Environment, Light, Paper, Gum, Plastics,
Physical issues and Treatments.
Environment
Philatelic Collections should be stored at a temperature under 18
centigrade and with relative humidity of between 55 and 60%. Recent
research has shown that gummed and perforated material is under less
stress at these slightly more moist conditions than had previously been
recommended. Outside these conditions collectors run the risk of the
growth of fungi if too hot and too humid. Remember that one cause of
foxing is believed to be dead fungal growth so by avoiding bad
conditions you can help to avoid those unsightly stains. If too dry
paper suffers stress and with an unused stamp with gum a tension will
develop between the gum and the paper. This tension may be sufficient to
split perforations. Dampness is probably one of the main dangers to
paper and especially to gum. Ventilation of a room or storage container
is likely to reduce the level of moisture; some mild and gradual heating
may be of assistance in carrying moisture away. Never heat a damp room
without adequate ventilation as this may promote the growth of fungus.
Clean air is important too as pollutants may cause damage. Smoking is
incompatible with philately because of damage from ash, staining and the
transfer of smell.
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