UMCA Technical Leaflet

Using Non-Original Materials in Displays

by Sherelyn Ogden, Director of Field Services,
The Upper Midwest Conservation Association

Everyone enjoys having the opportunity to see precious materials on display. Visiting libraries, archives, or historic houses is a much richer experience when historic artifacts are on display, and visiting museums would be an entirely different experience if all the art and artifacts were hidden away to be brought out only when requested. The display of precious materials, however, is a preservation compromise no matter how carefully it is done and how well-protected the displayed items are. While all materials are susceptible to the environmental and security hazards presented by exhibition, paper-based materials are particularly vulnerable to these hazards. Light is a special problem. It weakens the cellulose fibers from which paper is made, causes the paper to bleach, yellow, or darken, and causes media and dyes to fade or change in color, altering the legibility and/or appearance of documents, photographs, works of art, and bookbindings. If objects are already in deteriorated condition when placed on exhibition, the risk of damage is even greater.

An effective way to display materials while at the same time protecting them is to use non-original materials. Displaying a copy instead of the original is becoming an increasingly accepted strategy. This serves especially well for photographs, documents, newspapers, and book pages, although works of art on paper with highly light-sensitive media are also good candidates. New technologies make it possible to produce copies that are nearly indistinguishable from the originals. High quality laser color copiers produce excellent copies of documents, newspapers, and book pages. If the copy is made on a sheet of paper that is similar in texture to the original, it is even more convincing. A copy of a photograph can be made from the original negative, if it is available and in acceptable condition, or from a copy negative, if that is available. If not, it can be made from the original print. This latter alternative will give you a copy negative to keep for future use. Digital scanning technology also can be used to produce copies of documents, newspapers, book pages, and photographs. This technology allows the image to be manipulated in a variety of ways so that blemishes and evidence of physical damage can be removed if this is deemed appropriate.

In the case of books, obtaining another copy of the original may be the best option. Since books are produced in editions of many copies, obtaining another one may be possible. Displaying an alternative period artifact of limited value, instead of the institution’s original artifact, which is of greater value because of a signiture, an inscription, associational significance, or other unique quality, protects the original while maintaining the integrity of the display. This approach is especially useful in historic houses where books are displayed as props in period rooms or in libraries in the houses. Books displayed in this situation are often especially vulnerable to light and security problems, and the risk to the originals may be too great to allow them to be displayed. The copies of books obtained do not necessarily need to be the same title and edition as the original. Often a book from the same period and with an appropriate style of binding is adequate to convey the intent of the display. Another possibility is to have a facsimile of the book made. Although this option can be effective aesthetically, it may be too expensive for many institutions.

Using copies in displays may not seem as dramatic as using the original materials, but if done with care, displaying copies can be nearly as satisfying and can offer many preservation advantages over displaying the originals. Vendors of various types of copying services are readily available. Likewise, dealers of antiquarian books can be easily located. Contact the Upper Midwest Conservation Association’s Field Services Department for guidance in selecting the type of copy most suitable to your institutional situation and for assistance in how to obtain it.