Tips on Caring for Antique World Maps by Danuin Mumm
Paper is rather fragile, but many antique maps — drawn on parchment, have survived through centuries. If you would like to get your hands on a authentic, antique world map, you’ll need to know how to preserve it. It has lasted through centuries because it was properly preserved, and you’ll need that knowledge as well.
Here are some tips on how to handle antique maps with care:
-From the very moment you obtain your antique map, make sure your hands are clean. Do not ever handle it physically unless both of your hands are perfectly clean. Use common sense; do not allow it to touch anything that is dirty, including a dirty table, and don’t place it near any dirty items. Be very careful with folding it, as well.
-Keep your antique map preserved in humidity that is around 40-50 percent. Don’t keep them stored in places like attics and cellars, either. Direct sunlight can be harmful to antique parchment paper, so don’t keep it outside. Sometimes regular glass can be enough to protect antique maps from UV rays. Keep your map(s) away from insects, acid, and polluted air, as well.
-You should leave matting, framing, and restoration details to the professionals. For instance, you should never try fixing up the coloring or doing any bleaching by yourself.
-Try to avoid rolling them if you don’t have to. Most antique map experts feel that it’s best to keep them stored flat. Wooden and metal cabinets are both good for storing antique maps, just remember to keep the cabinet in a place with 40-50 percent humitity.
Historic maps have been drawn for many, many centuries. And while most of the surviving earlier ones aren’t for sale to the general public, you can still find deals on antique world maps dating back for four - five hundred years. If you know how to take good care of them, you can play your part in keeping them preserved for many more centuries.
