I get a number of emails asking me how I am archiving my original antique photographs to display and protect them so I thought I’d share an example.
Inspired by the ancient Chinese Ginkgo tree (see more below) I am showcasing each image in 100 percent archival /acid free/ligin free materials including a custom made paper sleeve and a Ginkgo leaf which will have the date on it to signify this special chow on the “family tree”. The back can contain more information if needed.
Then each photo (this is 4×6) goes into a standard size archival rigid sleeve …then into a beautiful indexed box full of like sized sleeves. I also have 5×7 and 8×10’s getting the same treatment.
The reason I am organizing all the images this way , vs a photo album is that #1, bending pages can destroy these old brittle photos. ….#2, I need to index each item by date or subject and the collection is continually changing (even pocket albums would be complicated)
Every photo is scanned at 1200 DPI for the digital version of the archive and are nice and big so when I get my book wrtitten the images will be the highest of quality and resolution.
No glue, tape or anything that would alter the original photo every touches the image itself. The Gingko leaf and paper sleeve are snugging the image in like the old school photo corners used to do.
Each image will be showcased in this Ginkgo theme in black and sepia…each will be unique and slightly different depending on the size and subject of the photo.
Ginkgo tree is a survivor just as the chow is. An appropriate symbol for the “family tree” of this breed
SOURCE: The Ginkgo tree is a phenomenon, an object of veneration, a sacred tree of the East, a symbol of unity of opposites, yin yangby some seen as a symbol of changelessness, possessing miraculous power, bearer of hope and of the immeasurable past, a symbol of love. Because of all its properties it is associated with longevity.
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Since ancient times the tree has been planted in China and Japan in temple gardens, also near shrines and castles, due to veneration, its protection against fire, seeds and beauty. The famous Hiroshima-tree is also near a temple. Old Ginkgoes are worshipped like a god in Japan
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