Taking Care of Drawings

Sue Bove, paper conservator at the New York State Archives, discusses the preservation of drawings.

Video Key Points

• Drawings are original works of art. They can be created in pencil, ink, pastel, chalk, or charcoal.
• The surface of a drawing can sometimes be powdery, for example a pastel, chalk, or charcoal. It is important to handle drawings with care. Use smooth-surfaced paper such as glassine to protect these kinds of artworks in storage.
• Use alkaline paper or tissue to protect drawings that are not powdery.
• Place drawings in folders, and the folders in boxes, to give them the best possible storage. The width of the folder should be similar to the width of the box so that the drawing does not shift.
• Choose alkaline folders and boxes for long-term storage of most materials.
• Do not use stable plastic folders for drawings with powdery media, such as pastels. The media can smudge or be lifted by static.