Archive Storage Guidelines

The Temperature ideally between 10 and 15 Centigrade. High temperatures can cause brittleness and mould growth, whilst temperatures too low can bring the risk of condensation, as can continual fluctuations in temperature.

The Relative Humidity (RH) should stay between 30 and 50% and wide fluctuations have the same dangers as temperature changes. High humidity is also associated with the problem of Glazing or Ferrotyping on photographic emulsions.

Avoid prolonged Exposure to both direct sunlight and standard fluorescent light which contain harmful UV Rays which cause yellowing of paper, fading of inks and rapid deterioration. Original photographic prints are best stored in acid-free boxes and copies used for display where possible.