Proper Storage for Autographs Signed on Photographs or Paper

As an expert in memorabilia, Nelson Deedle has appraised, authenticated, and sold more than 1 million items. One of his primary passions, autographs, is an important part of Nelson Deedle’s business. Here, he shares tips for properly storing autographed photographs and pages.

Heat, moisture, and bright lights are the top three enemies of autographed photos and papers. To protect the integrity of your items, consider the following.

1. Store or display away from direct sunlight and fluorescent lights, which can cause fading.

2. Place items in a climate-controlled area away from heat sources such as a fireplace or heating vent.

3. Protect autographed items from moisture by storing the items in a humidity-controlled environment. While many people believe a safe is a good place to store these items, the humidity is actually too high and can damage the paper or photographs.

4. Preserve photographs and papers by using Mylar D folders and placing them in an acid-free, archival box.