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  • 1.  Framed Pictures can they be hung in an unheated area ?

    Posted 05-21-2025 19:05
    All,

    The Rutland Historical Society has a number of large framed photos and I know that painted portraits need to be kept at room tempature say 68 degrees fahrenhiet or so. I was wondering if there was any restrictions on large photographs. From a storage stand point, I would like to hang theses up in our unheated stair well rather that have them llying all around. I wondered if this was the best method for storing these large pictures.

    Ron Hemenway

    Rutland Historical society


  • 2.  RE: Framed Pictures can they be hung in an unheated area ?

    Posted 05-22-2025 16:33

    Hello Ron,

    I understand you would like to hang the framed photos rather than have them lying around.

    I think it's difficult to give a good advice, as there are many things to consider:

    • More important than the room temperature is the relative humidity. Large fluctuations in RH have more impact on the conservation of the photos than the temperature. Do you keep record of the climate in the building?
    • How are the photos framed? Although the mount and frame act as a buffer for the photos, the degree of buffering depends on the materials used and the method of framing. Is the frame sealed or are the photos framed in a standard frame with torsion springs?
    • Make sure there are bump-ons on the back of the frame to create space between frame and wall. This way you ensure air circulation behind the frame to avoid mould.
    • Is the wall in the stairwell an outer wall? Avoid hanging frames up on an outer wall, because of the possibility of dampness. Especially when the room is not heated.

    I hope this is helpful for you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions!



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    JorineBakker
    Framer / Conservation Enthusiast
    SoestNetherlands
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  • 3.  RE: Framed Pictures can they be hung in an unheated area ?

    Posted 05-22-2025 19:37
    Jorine,

    Thank you for the response.  The photos are in big frames with monting/ backing. As to humidity . It is not checked on a regular basis. There are two stair wells one going to the secound floor and one going to the basement. The one going to the basement is in the center of the building. The one going to the second floor has an outer wall. Thus I think It may be ok to hang the photos in the stair well to the basement and on the inner wall of the stair well going to the second floor.

    Thanks,

    Ron



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Framed Pictures can they be hung in an unheated area ?

    Posted 05-22-2025 16:33

    Hi Ron!

    Great question. There's always so many variables to think about when it comes to environmental conditions. When we're considering temperature it's important to also consider the relative humidity that accompanies it (and is also impacted by the temperature). Do you think you could give us a little background on what part of the country you're in and what type of photograph you're referring to? If you can guess the age of the photograph that might give us a sense of what type of photograph it is. Is there any chance you have any recordings of environmental data (temperature or humidity over time for the space)? If not, we can extrapolate a bit based on your location. 

    I'll also ping some photograph experts to see if I can get some more material-specific guidelines for you! 

    Sincerely,

    Melissa

    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor



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    Melissa King
    Preventive Conservator |
    VP of Customer Experience
    Conserv
    Portland, ME

    www.conserv.io
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