Hi Charlene,
I haven't heard back from the C2C experts yet, but I discussed it with some of my photo colleagues here at the Library of Congress. There are a few major concerns with giclee (inkjet) prints, the first being abrasion of the surface. They are apparently very similar in sensitivity to pastels as far as abrasion goes, so if possible, nothing should be in contact with the surface. My colleagues recommended adding plexi to the frames if it is possible, or reframing them so that they have a plexi/acrylic/glass barrier - any of the three would be fine. The second major concern was lightfastness - so storing them away from the light in as controlled temperature as you can would be best.
I've included a link to the IPI's Digital Print Preservation Program (
http://www.dp3project.org/) which goes into more detail if you'd like some further reading, as well as their PDF (
http://www.dp3project.org/webfm_send/739) which includes specifics for preserving digitally printed photographs - the section that would be most relevant to you would be the one on inkjet photos.
I hope that's helpful!
All the best,
Liz
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
------------------------------
Elizabeth Peirce
Conservator (Objects)
Library of Congress
Arlington VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-06-2022 14:35
From: Charlene Bonnette
Subject: Framed Giclee Prints
Thank you very much.
Charlene
Charlene Bonnette, M.L.I.S., C.A.
Head, Louisiana Collection
Preservation Librarian
Louisiana Collection
State Library of Louisiana
701 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5232
Phone: 225-342-2791
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Original Message:
Sent: 6/6/2022 11:03:00 AM
From: Elizabeth Peirce
Subject: RE: Framed Giclee Prints
Hi Charlene,
Thank you for posting to the Connecting to Collections Care Community! I am checking in with our photo/print experts to see if they have any recommendations for the storage of the giclee prints, and will post with their responses when possible. I agree that removing the bubble wrap is a good idea, I'm checking to see if there are better alternatives.
Kindly,
Liz
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
------------------------------
Elizabeth Peirce
Conservator (Objects)
Library of Congress
Arlington VA
Original Message:
Sent: 06-03-2022 17:08
From: Charlene Bonnette
Subject: Framed Giclee Prints
Good Afternoon,
We received a donation of large giclee prints, 28 x 40 inches. My question concerns storage. They came to us wrapped in bubble wrap, which I think we need to remove. We have Plexiglas sheets to space between the framed prints, but I think something more is needed to wrap the photograph in as it has no protective glass, just the frame it is in. Do you think cotton sheets would work? I would appreciate any wrapping for storage suggestions.
Thanks so much!
Charlene Bonnette
Charlene Bonnette, M.L.I.S., C.A.
Head, Louisiana Collection
Preservation Librarian
Louisiana Collection
State Library of Louisiana
701 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5232
Phone: 225-342-2791