Family heirlooms are more than just objects; they are cherished pieces of history, carrying the stories and memories of generations past. As a picture framing business dedicated to helping you celebrate and protect your most precious memories, we understand the value of preserving these treasures.
In this blog article, we'll provide you with valuable tips and techniques for caring for your family heirlooms, ensuring they remain in pristine condition and can be passed down through generations.
How to Start a Family Heirloom
Creating a family heirloom is not just about preserving the past; it's also about building a legacy for the future. To start your own family heirloom tradition, consider a few meaningful steps:
- Begin by selecting an item that holds significance to you and your family – it could be a piece of artwork, a handwritten letter, a special piece of jewellery or even a family recipe passed down through generations.
- Ensure that this item reflects your family's values and history.
- Document its significance with a note or letter to pass along with it.
- Over time, add to your collection, inviting the participation of each future generation.
These carefully chosen items, along with their stories, will become cherished heirlooms for your descendants.
Cleaning Your Heirlooms
Cleaning your family heirlooms is an essential first step in their preservation. Here's how to do it right:
- Handle with care: Always handle heirlooms with clean, dry hands and wear cotton gloves to prevent oil and dirt from transferring to the item.
- Dust gently: Use a soft, clean and lint-free cloth to gently dust the surface of your heirlooms. For fragile items, use a soft-bristle brush or compressed air.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Never use abrasive or chemical cleaners. For delicate items, consult a professional conservator for guidance.
- Store in a clean environment: Make sure your storage area is clean and free from dust and pollutants.
Storing Family Heirlooms
Proper storage is crucial to prevent damage from environmental factors and pests. Here are our top storage tips:
- Choose the right location: Store your heirlooms in a cool, dry and stable environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Use acid-free materials: When wrapping or storing your heirlooms, use acid-free tissue paper, boxes and sleeves. When framing, select acid-free matboards and backing board to ensure your precious heirloom is protected. Avoid using newspaper or regular cardboard, which can cause discoloration.
- Avoid plastic: Plastic containers can trap moisture and should be avoided. Instead, use archival materials like acid-free paper and cloth.
- Label everything: Ensure each heirloom is properly labelled with details about its history and significance. This helps future generations understand the importance of these items.
Protecting Your Heirlooms
Taking proactive measures can extend the life of your family heirlooms and there are a number of steps you can take that provide the protection future generations will appreciate:
- Frame with UV-protective glass: When framing heirlooms, opt for UV-protective glass in your frames to shield them from harmful ultraviolet rays. Standard glass offers little or no protection from UV light however there are a number of UV glass options that provide varying levels of protection.
- Rotate displays: If you have a collection of heirlooms, consider rotating their display to limit their exposure to light and air. When not on display, store the item in a dark, dry place.
- Professional preservation: For exceptionally valuable or fragile items, consult a professional conservator who can provide expert care and restoration services.
- Insurance: Ensure your heirlooms are adequately insured to protect against theft, fire, water leaks or other unforeseen events.
What to Do with Family Heirlooms
As you collect and preserve family heirlooms, consider the various ways you can honour and share your heritage:
- Framing heirlooms: You might choose to frame and display them prominently in your home, celebrating the beauty and history they represent.
- Passing down family heirlooms: This ensures the stories and values they embody continue to inspire and connect your family.
- Use as conversation starters: During family gatherings, start conversations helping to keep your family history alive and relevant.
- Donations: In some cases, you might decide to donate or bequeath heirlooms to a museum or historical society, sharing your family's history with a broader audience.
Whatever you choose, remember that family heirlooms are not just material possessions; they are bridges to the past and gifts for the future, connecting generations through time and memories.
If you're ready to showcase your heirlooms in custom frames, our PFA qualified picture framers are ready to help you make them even more special. Contact us today for expert preservation framing.
