[BCMA] please post

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello Wendy,

                A piece of Plexiglas that size is quite large, nearly 6’ x 6’, and probably isn’t something that most companies have in stock so that’s likely why you’re having trouble finding it. I’m assuming they could order it from their supplier but it’d likely be at a premium. I’d recommend Plexiglas over glass as a piece of glass that size would be quite heavy and always a danger should it break or shatter. Mounting it to the wall over the map and raised to allow air flow sounds like an excellent idea. If you’re able to extend the Plexiglas out past the edges of the map you’d cut down on little, or adult, fingers reaching in through the gap between the wall/map and Plexiglas.

You mentioned acetate on Mylar but Mylar on it’s own would likely do what you need without concerns over production and materials. This would be relatively cheap if you can find a roll or piece large enough to avoid having a seam down the centre. As Mylar is flexible you’d likely have to place it on the map, so no air flow as it would sag if lifted off the wall but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s fairly common and easy to encapsulate paper items in Mylar. Again, same as with Plexiglas, your issue here would be finding a piece large enough. This also has the advantage of keeping the map together if it has ragged edges and assists with mounting.

You did mentioned a copy won’t work and if the map in and of itself doesn’t have a particular value there’s not the same incentive to store the original, but depending on your interpretation setup a reproduction can be a great way to go. Two dimensional items such this can be reproduced well. You may have send away for it to be printed if you wanted it 1:1 but if you’re fine with it being smaller a local printing shop could likely print it for you right away. This could also free up wall space as the map is quite large.

                Other than that I can’t think of too much else. You seem to be on the right track!

William Shepherd
Collections Officer
Swift Current Museum
44 Robert Street West
Swift Current, Saskatchewan
S9H 4M9
Phone: 306-778-4815
Fax: 306-778-4818

From: bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca [mailto:bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca] On Behalf Of Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.
Sent: July 12, 2017 11:17 AM
To: bcma at lists.vifa.ca
Subject: [BCMA] please post


Dear colleagues

I have a 1967 school type map of Greece that needs protection from fingers. The velvet rope is far from perfect!

I have tried to get a piece of glass or plexiglass but apparently neither comes in the right size which is 70" x 70". At least not from Island Plastics.  I would mount it in front of the map where it hangs on the wall so air can circulate.

Another suggestion was to copy/photograph and store the original but the real value of the map is in the person of the previous owner- the map in itself is not particularly valuable and a copy just won't work.

A recommendation is to use acetate over Mylar as supplied by "grafixplastics" which is only available wholesale. Michaels apparently carries it and I will go have a chat with them.

Any other suggestions or referals gratefully received

Wendy
--
Wendy Smylitopoulos
Curator
Greek Heritage Project Museum
Victoria & Vancouver Greek Community Society
250 419-3151
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