Suggestions for Preserving Old Prayer Book?

[PrueM]

Hi yn9man,

How wonderful to have found the drawings!  You lucky duck 

Without seeing the drawings I can't assess their condition, but they sound as if the paper is becoming brittle and the chalk is starting to flake, or fall off the paper.  If that is the case, probably the best thing you could do is store each drawing in an individual archival folder or wallet, and then put them all inside a storage box.  The folders will protect the papers from rubbing against each other, as well as providing a means of being able to pick up and look at the drawings without touching them.  The outer box provides protection from light, dust, insects and environmental changes.  The following link may provide you with useful info:
http://www.conservationregister.com/careprintsdrawings.asp?id=4

In their apparent condition it would probably be unwise to frame the drawings, but if you wanted to, you should have a conservator look at them to assess their condition.  If you get them framed, choose a specialist conservation/preservation framer who will mat and frame the drawings appropriately.  A useful link about framing is here:
http://www.conservationregister.com/guidancemountingframing.asp?id=3

Hope that helps - PM me if you would like more info 

Prue

[yn9man]

Hi PrueM -

Thanks so much for your response. The paper is quite brittle so I need to do something fairly quick. Of course they haven't been stored properly for many years now so I think I have time to get out and purchase whatever I may need. 

The drawings provide another side of my g grandfather. My father didn't even though he could draw.   

Also, I took a quick look at the two links you provided. Lots of very good information and when time permits I will spend additional time reviewing.

Again thanks for taking time to answer my post.

Take care.

yn9man

[yn9man]

Hi PrueM -

I'm somewhat back and in communication on Rootschat. I want to thank you for your advice and information regarding the chalk drawings. Had a conservator look at the drawings and in fact they were done in colored pencil. They are now framed and hanging on my "family history wall".

Thanks again for all your information and assistance.

Regards,

yn9man

[PrueM]

Good to hear from you, yn9man 
I'm glad your pictures are now safe and can be enjoyed