Rule number one is to get them out of the loft or basement. This is the worst place possible for them. The sharp changes in temperature and humidity experienced in the roof space of a house cause the photographic paper to swell and shrink. In the summer, dryness and heat will cause the paper to become brittle so that it may actually break or split when handled. Alternatively, the dampness of the winter months will provide perfect conditions for the growth of mould. It goes without saying that the dark, damp conditions of the average cellar or basement will similarly play havoc with precious papers and photos.

Ideally, our photos would be kept in an air-conditioned room where temperature and humidity levels are kept constant. That's asking a lot in the average house. As a compromise, try to store your photos in a room where you think the temperature is likely to remain fairly constantly cool. Place them preferably away from outside walls, since this is where temperatures show greater fluctuation.

Unframed photos should be stored flat in acid free boxes with a glassine interleaving. Alternatively each photo can be housed in its own inert polyester envelope - the relevant word being 'inert'. Plastic enclosures should be either polyester or polyethylene not polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When buying storage for your photos try to look for things that are acid free (neutral PH), lignin free or alkaline buffered. It's my personal preference I know but I dislike albums with 'sticky' pages, simply because once in, your photos are stuck for ever more.

The above mentioned supplies should be available in your local camera shop, where you can also get free advice on all aspects of storage. Alternatively you could try craft shops and, of course, the internet.

Finally, if you have precious photos on display you may want to check the following:

Old photos may need to be rematted and framed using acid free materials.

The glass in a frame will provide good protection from dust but remember to display your framed photo away from direct sunlight (or ask for UV protective glass).

Metal frames are generally better than wooden ones because wood emits organic vapours which may adversely affect the photograph..

If you make copies of the photos you love, you can safely store the original and keep it for many years to come.

(All photos on this site have been restored and/or edited by me and are here to show examples of some the 'tweaking' that can be done to suit your particular taste).

All graphics and photos on this site are embedded with a traceable watermark.