Subject: Re: To be framed or not to be framed - that is the question. From: Brian Bigler <usemeum@mhtc.net> Message-ID: <ddee50b8-a292-c74e-afe9-5808ae1c54e8@mhtc.net> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:34:15 -0500
Hello all,
The removal of frames is a subject that is difficult to give a single
opinion to. In my 45 years of working with this stuff, and especially
coming from the exhibit point of view, the frames can add context to the
photograph. The paper mounts often reflect what time-period they were
produced much like the clothing the individuals are wearing in those
photos. Art Deco frames of the 1930s, Arts and Crafts frames of the
early 20th century and so on. Plus, many have the photographer's mark on
the paper mount and you are able to tell by the dating of the frame
which photographers worked at various times in your community.
When I use photos that are mounted in paper frames that need to be
copied for exhibits I often prefer to have the frame reproduced as well
as the photo and museum visitors love this approach. The team that
recently created 5 period appropriate living rooms for the Driftless
Historium in Mount Horeb needed those frames large and small to bring
the desired settings to life. A former archivist had removed the
originals from their frames in some cases, but, fortunately volunteers
had the foresight to save the removed frames - at least the important ones.
Yes, wooden acidic boards on the back of framed portraits and
certificates cause damage and should be removed. If you have room I
would highly suggest storing the frames and glass pieces separately with
associated numbers to find them again.
And yes, not every frame should be saved - especially those that are in
bad condition or missing parts. But I would highly suggest - if you
have the room - to save at lest some examples of the various eras as
future historians may take a different approach to this subject.
Not all smaller photos in museum collections see the light of day often
and these may be individual portraits that are mostly kept for
genealogists and this would be the call of the archivist or curator to
remove the mounts from these items.
When I use large framed photos in exhibits I prefer to copy them if
possible and place the copies in the original frames in this case any
period appropriate frame could be used. Where you do not want to copy
the original adding acid free backing is best.
So, I would take a cautious approach to removing "all" frames from your
collections.
As Becca from Sauk County mentions - storing photo by size and number is
best and it you use past perfect adding a scanned image to your
inventory is good. For example, at the Mount Horeb Area Historical
Society there are more than 30,000 photographs in the archive and most
are stored by measurements and a few by category - such as post card
views, tin types, etc. Many retain their original frames and many do not.
Large framed items in the MHAHS collection are stored on wall mounted
chain link fencing and are hung from floor to ceiling - a rather
efficient way of doing it and great for keeping the frames from further
damage.
Hope I have encouraged you to save at least a few of the old frames in
your collections.
For now - take care - and keep history alive -
Brian J. Bigler - exhibit designer, museum consultant and volunteer
On 10/13/2020 11:01 AM, Rebecca Dubey wrote:
> Hello Samuel,
> At the Sauk County Historical Society I remove all photographs from
> their frames for the two reasons you have stated.
>
> Most photos are placed in frames that will, over time, harm the photo
> within them, and we too, have limited storage space. I place all
> photos in Archival Photo envelopes, which go into archival boxes. We
> have 7,000 cataloged photos, which all fit on one shelf unit.
>
> Before inserting the photographs, I mark each envelope across the top
> with (from L to R:) People's names; Subject, place, or landmark are
> written at the center, and Object ID on the far right.
>
> We have five box sizes: 4 x 5; 4 x 6; 5 x 7; 8 x 10; and 11.5 x
> 14.5" Anything larger goes into the flat file. They are filed by
> Object ID numbers instead of subject to avoid confusion. Each is
> cataloged and scanned. We have requests for the originals only once
> in a while.
>
> Mounted prints and prints I can not remove from paper/cardboard frames
> are also placed in the envelopes and filed in boxes.
>
> I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me if you have any
> other questions,
> Becca
>
>
> On Mon, Oct 12, 2020 at 3:32 PM Samuel Marshall
> <marshallwimuseum@gmail.com <mailto:marshallwimuseum@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> Original portraits (photos) are most often gifted to us with
> original frames. I appreciate that original frames have
> historical value, BUT, what if they are in bad shape or they are
> the very deep style that takes up the space of 5 other frames? We
> have very limited space constraints and miniscule storage.
> I am considering moving our large format portrait photos to
> archival sleeves. Any guidance would be appreciated.
> Diana Skalizky, Marshall Area Historical Society.
>
>
>
> --
> Rebecca DuBey, Museum Curator
> Sauk County Historical Society
> (608) 356-1001 W-F; please leave a message other times!