Make sure the framer you visit really knows what map preservation is all about and what he or she will do what's necessary to protect your antique map purchase.
Of the over 30 years I have been in framing, it amazes me how framers treat, mount and frame art and artifacts for people who patronize them. On a weekly basis, it's not unusual for someone to contact me through email or phone informing me of a recently framed item which shows signs of deterioration.
As a seasoned collector of autographs of over 35 years, it still excites me to pick up long desired rare autograph signed by someone I admire. You see, unlike most things, a complete set of autographs cannot be acquired any day or night. It has to be built over time or acquired intact when the rare opportunity presents itself.
The thrill of collecting ancient coins is when you imagine what kings, emperors and other famous ancient people touched and spent these coins. Nothing is more exciting than thinking if Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar or even Cleopatra touched a coin.
As a young boy, my interests involved collecting a variety of things: Comic books, rocks, shells, even bugs. It was enjoyable to accumulate many varieties and types of these items. It was very challenging and fun to seek items which were unique and popular. It was even fun collecting things other people wanted.
When a photograph, document or other item has fading, it is nearly impossible to restore it to its original condition. And, do you notice those stores that offer photo restoration? Well, they aren't really restoring the photo.
For many years, “museum quality” has meant something made with high quality materials or techniques. Basically, a cut above the rest. The term meant a level of protection or preservation used in the framing process.
Remember that famous botched "restoration" job of the Spanish fresco painting of Jesus Christ by an 80 year old woman? If not, ten years ago, the artist, Cecilia Jimenez, volunteered to restore the painting. Her "restoration" was so poorly done, the term "ecce monkey" was sometimes used to describe the artwork.
