Conservation FAQs

How do I find a conservator?

You can contact your local archive service, museum, or art gallery, as many have conservators on staff. Alternatively, consult the Conservation Register to find qualified professionals in your area.

What can a conservator do for my documents?

A conservator can:

• Clean, repair, and package documents using archival materials
• Identify paper types, inks, and other components
• Discuss treatment options based on condition and importance
• Provide advice on safe storage and handling

Where can I buy conservation-quality materials?

• Supplies are available from approved conservation suppliers including: PEL,  Conservation by Design and Conservation Resources
• Contact our Conservation Department for tailored advice

Where should I keep my documents?

• Store in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated space
• Avoid lofts, basements, radiators, and damp walls
• Ideal conditions: 16–19°C and 45–60% RH
• Never store items directly on the floor to prevent water or pest damage

What should I store paper documents in?

• Use archival-quality packaging (envelopes, sleeves, boxes)
• Avoid acidic materials — acidity can migrate and damage documents
• Packaging can be custom-made or purchased from suppliers
• Any packaging is better than none

How should I store photographs?

• Keep in a constant, cool, dry environment
• For colour prints: ideally 2°C and 30–40% RH.
• Use albums with unbuffered, 100% cotton fibre paper (pH 6, free of chloride, sulphur, lignin)
• Mount with photo corners or store in archival polyester envelopes
• Treat negatives and prints the same way

My book/document is torn — can I mend it?

• Our advice would be to consult an accredited conservator
• If repair isn’t possible:
  • Place flat items in archival polyester sleeves with support paper
  • Support books with boxes or protective wrapping

What’s the best way to frame and display documents?

• Permanent display is not recommended — paper is sensitive to daylight and ultra violet (UV), humidity, and temperature changes
• If display is necessary, use UV-filtering glass and acid-free framing materials
• Consider displaying a copy instead of the original

My documents are mouldy — what should I do?

• If damp, separate and air-dry immediately
• Fragile items should be handled by a conservator
• Once dry, gently brush mould off with a soft brush
• Wear gloves and a mask — mould spores can be harmful
• Ideally, consult a conservator for safe treatment

Should I wear gloves when handling documents?

• Photographs: always use clean nitrile/vinyl gloves
• Paper and books: use clean nitrile/vinyl gloves, cotton gloves can snag edges or transfer dirt
• If gloves are worn, ensure they fit well and are clean
• If not, wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling

How do I unfold tightly folded parchment?

• Avoid repeated folding/unfolding — it weakens the material
• Ideally, ask a conservator to handle parchment
• If necessary:
  • Unfold in a humid environment to increase flexibility
  • Use soft, wrapped weights to hold edges flat
  • Avoid touching inks directly — they may be fragile