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HOW TO LOOK AFTER MANUSCRIPTS & AUTOGRAPH ITEMS
Looking after Manuscripts
& Autograph Items
How to look after Manuscripts & Autograph Items
In our swiftly digitalising world, preserving historical texts, manuscripts, and signed items is vital. They connect us to the past, capturing singular moments of brilliance and insight. From an old manuscript housing timeless wisdom, to a prized autograph from a cultural hero, these treasures are our links to history. As caretakers of these artefacts, it's our duty to protect them for future generations. This guide offers practical tips on the 'how' and 'why' of looking after these priceless pieces, sharing steps to prevent damage and decay.
Manuscripts and Letters
Collecting manuscripts and autographed items is a thrilling and rewarding pursuit that sparks a sense of adventure. Each piece is like a puzzle piece of the past, waiting to share its story with anyone willing to read it. There's a unique joy in the hunt, whether it's tracking down an elusive manuscript, or finding an autograph from a beloved public figure. However, knowing how to look after such valuable and important historical documents is equally important. Hopefully this guide will help, but do contact one of our specialists for more information.
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MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Storage
Correct storage is key to keeping your manuscripts and autographs safe. Store them in acid-free, archival-quality materials to prevent deterioration over time. Don't overcrowd storage boxes or shelves. Ensure each item is individually protected with sleeves or envelopes. Regularly check your stored items for any signs of damage or deterioration.
MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Lighting
Light can fade and damage manuscripts and autographs. Limit exposure to sunlight and harsh indoor lights. Use UV filters on windows and display cases. Consider using low-intensity LED lights for display. Avoid fluorescent lights, as they emit a high level of UV radiation.
MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Climate Control
Manuscripts and autographs need a stable climate. Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause them to degrade. Aim for a temperature of around 18-20 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of about 30-50%. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control the environment and consider investing in a hygrometer to monitor these levels.
MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Handling
Handle these items as little as possible and always with clean hands. Gloves can help protect against skin oils, but can sometimes lead to clumsiness — so use with care, we normally prefer clean hands. Always provide support to manuscripts when moving or showing them, using both hands or a suitable support material, ideally transporting them flat.
MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Protection
Protecting your valuable manuscripts and autographs goes beyond preserving their physical condition; it also includes safeguarding them from theft or disaster. Store your items in a secure location, ideally a safe or lockable cabinet, to deter potential theft. It's also worthwhile investing in a home security system. Additionally, protect your collection from natural disasters by keeping it away from potential flooding areas and considering fire-resistant storage options. Regularly digitise or photocopy your collection to have a backup in case of an unfortunate event. Remember, a loss isn't just financial; it can also be a priceless piece of history, so taking appropriate protective measures is essential.
MANUSCRIPTS AND LETTERS
Conservation
Dust your items gently with a soft brush. If you spot mould or severe staining, don't attempt to clean it yourself. Hire a professional conservator. They have the training and tools to clean and restore your items without causing further harm
Manuscripts and Letters: Recent Highlights
Napkyn, A Booke Conteyning divers excellent & approoved Remedyes in Phisique, 1631
An important medical manuscript dated to the early years of the seventeenth century.
£43,750 (including buyer's premium)
£43,750 (including buyer's premium)
America, Colony of Virginia.- Certaine directions for the sending of Men, Comodities, & Cattle, c.1609
Advice to prospective "passengers" and colonists to Virginia.
£104,000 (including buyer's premium)
£104,000 (including buyer's premium)
Prayerbook, in Flemish & Latin, illuminated manuscript on vellum, 15th century
A very fine manuscript with copious decoration in the style of Flemish master William Vrelant.
£90,000 (including buyer's premium)
£90,000 (including buyer's premium)
Charles Darwin, Autograph Letter signed to Walter Raleigh Browne, 1881
Unpublished letter by Darwin in which he plays down his scientific knowledge.
£10,000 (including buyer's premium)
£10,000 (including buyer's premium)
FAQ's
Forum Auctions' specialists have many years of experience working with antique manuscripts, including documents, letters and autographed memorabilia. They also have access to various resources, online and offline, that allow them to check against comparative pieces, where relevant, and research provenance, watermarks and other potential indicators of antiquity. A keen interest in, and understanding of, history also brings a scholarly and enthusiastic approach to bear upon our researching of historical and biographical context. This combination of expert analysis, comparative study, provenance research, forensic techniques and historical context is used to determine the authenticity and the potential value of manuscript items.
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