Make & keep
Make a freestanding paper easel for a strip reproduction
Display a copy upright on a desk with a hinged rear support.
A folded easel keeps a small portrait copy upright without gluing the image into a frame. Build the stand from card, then use photo corners or a sleeve so the reproduction can be removed. Make it wide enough that the strip does not tip forward.
Cut the mount
Cut a rectangle slightly larger than the print and a second narrow rectangle for the rear leg. Score the mount near its top edge to create a hinge. Add two small corner pockets or removable corners to hold the copy in place.
Attach the support
Fold the rear leg into a shallow triangle and attach one end to the back of the mount. The foot should sit flat and extend far enough to resist tipping. Test the stand with a blank card before inserting the image.
Check stability
Place the display on a level surface and tap the table lightly. If it falls forward, widen the foot or lower the image. Keep it away from direct sun, heat and water; use a reproduction for a long display and store the original safely.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Library of Congress — Care, Handling, and Storage of PhotographsPreservation guidance