Prop repair, conservation, display - how to?

[OB10]

Okay, I've been here for awhile, and I don't recall the subject coming up often. How do you keep your props preserved?

A lot of the props here are replicas, but there are a lot that are screen used, too. A lot of us carry or wear our props at conventions and such. But for things you want to stay nice, what do you do?

I know latex and air are a bad thing. Anyone encase something latex in a plastic case with an inert gas?

I know that UV light can also do unfortunate things to colors in fabric, ink, and even paint. Anyone bother with UV blocking glass?

Most of the things I have are things I made,so I know I can generally fix them and if they get a few dings, oh well. But what about for those of you with Real Props?

Obi-Bob

 

[dualedge]

This subject tends to come up much more often over at the Movie Prop Forum that focuses on screen-used props http://mpdf.ipbhost.com/index.php? (I don't think they are accepting registrations though you might be able to read stuff still.)

Latex type stuff varies pretty wildly. Some of it decays if you look at it cross-wise and some of it stays together remarkably well for decades. I figure it must have something to do with the materials, chemicals and quality of different types of stuff. I don't know if there's much rhyme or reason to why some things hold up better.

For anything you want to collect, direct sunlight is the absolutely #1 no-no. Sunlight will just massively damage virtually any collectible. Your best bet is to have stuff behind or under UV resistant glass or UV resistant acrylic and even then avoid really intense lights. The rule of thumb is this... Take an automatic camera and try taking a picture of the item in the current light it gets. If the camera doesn't try to use it's flash, the item is getting too much light.

Basically, if it's important enough for you to get a custom display case or a frame for something, personally, I think you'd be nuts to NOT get UV resistant glass or UV resistant acrylic. It's a little more expensive but it's worth it if you value the thing enough to get a custom frame or display case.

Apart from that, what you want is stable temperature and humidity. Stability is really the key there. You don't want wild fluctuations.

You can do stuff like have items sealed in cases with inert gases and all that but then you're looking at MASSIVE expenses that most collectors really just can't afford anyway. I don't know that there are many pieces really worthy of THAT level of protection... certainly not most of the stuff most folks collect in my humble opinion (unless you've really got money to burn that is).

What you'd be better off doing is displaying the item in a closed case in reasonably low light and then perhaps hiding a reuseable dessicant cannister in the case to absorb extra moisture. You'd just have to monitor the dessicant cannister and "recharge" it (i.e. stick it in the oven and remove the moisture it's absorbed.)

For collectors in general, this book is worth checking out: Saving Stuff. It covers a wide range of stuff so at least a little will cover most people's collecting hobbies. It's written so that you can just jump to the section that is applicable. It's written by a senior conservator at the Smithsonian who obviously knows a thing or two about preservation. The book is cheap too - only $11.

 

[dropshipbob]

Personally, I don't see much point in going crazy with protecting replicas. There are so many factors you have to watch out for that it would limit youe enjoyment of your pieces, but I try to do what I can.

Keep out sunlight, avoid moisture/humidity, keep the temperature reasonable, etc. I have thought about wearing cotton gloves to avoid finger prints as well as skin oils, but I have yet to do that.

And in the long run, such actions will be useless. I mean, when I'm gone, these things will probably be sold as toys. So I try and play with them and not worry too much about them being around for decades.

 

[dualedge]

Personally, I don't see much point in going crazy with protecting replicas. There are so many factors you have to watch out for that it would limit youe enjoyment of your pieces, but I try to do what I can.

Ditto. For replicas I wouldn't sweat it that much. If it's a really prized possession, follow the general rules of thumb... avoid sunlight, keep it clean, avoid moisture, etc. The same stuff you'd do for any collectible you want to keep around for a while. No need for inert gases and all that for the sake of replicas IMHO.

Originals can be far, FAR more valuable as you can tell by checking out any given Profiles in History auction.

 

[OB10]

Thanks, guys! I tried the Movie Prop Forum, but it seems to not to allow non-members even look, and yeah, it doesn't seem open to new registrations. I'll have to keep a look on that site.

The main reason I'm asking is because Minnesota Jones and I have been asked to talk to some people at the Science Museum of Minnesota in conjunction with the Star Wars exhibit. We're actually going to be talking to a collectors group affiliated with the museum, not necessarily people specifically involved with movies or props. But since we're the "prop experts" the subject of conservation and repair will come up.

The only "screen used" pieces I have are from a 16mm film that some friends and I made maybe 15 years ago. I know Mike has a couple screen used pieces. I majored in art and was a picture framer for several years, so I'm familiar with some methods of display and preservation, but a lot of the higher end.... I'm not very up on.

Obi-Bob

 

[TomSpinaDesigns]

Hey Obi-Bob, (and Dropshipbob and Rob... I'm gonna need to change my name to post here! :lol )

As has been said, the basics will go a long way. Sunlight/UV light (like fluorescents) and unstable temperature and humidity are definitely the two biggest concerns. I'll add proper support to that list. This is more important to flexible pieces like rubber, latex or foam latex, but a proper display/support can go a long way to keeping a prized piece looking good for years to come.

When it comes to repair or restoration, I think there are two questions to ask:

1) Can the piece be restored?

Obviously, this depends a lot upon the original materials and condition of the piece. Not every piece is a candidate for restoration. That said, I mainly work with foam latex pieces and have managed to "save" a few that were pretty far gone, so it's important to keep an open mind and think creatively when it comes to potential solutions.

2) Should the piece be restored?

If the area of concern is something that occurred during filming, generally, a collector is best to leave it as it's evidence of production and will allow for a potential screen match.

If it's damage or deterioration that occurred AFTER the production, then it's something that a collector might consider getting repaired or restored. Best to get in contact with someone who does this work and discuss your feelings on the piece and what your goals are and potential options to get you there. Sometimes you'll find that only minor repair can take a piece a long way (while keeping it as "original" as possible). Other times, major restoration is the only option. It varies widely from piece to piece and preferences vary from collector to collector.

Hope that helps a little!

Tom