Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions - Softcover

"I am someone to whom stuff is serious business, so Saving Stuff is indispensable. Luckily, it covers saving books, because one thing I know I'll always want to save is Saving Stuff itself." -- Sam Posey, the author of Playing with Trains "Don Williams has distilled years of research and museum experience into practical advice for anyone concerned with preserving a collection -- from the beginning collector to the connoisseur." -- Joseph Godla, Senior Conservator, Historic New England "Saving Stuff provides a wealth of invaluable advice to anyone who wishes to care for, preserve, and display personal collections and family treasures." -- Betty C. Monkman, Curator (Retired), The White House

The most comprehensive book on preserving every type of collectible -- from the sentimental to the valuable -- from the Smithsonian's Senior Conservator. For both the serious collector and the sometimes sentimentalist, Saving Stuff explains -- in plain language -- how you can use the techniques of museum professionals to keep your prized possessions in mint condition. You do not need deep pockets or oodles of time: using Don Williams's simple instructions, you can preserve anything quickly and inexpensively. In Saving Stuff, he demystifies preservation and presents easy, foolproof methods anyone can use to save nearly everything, including: Photographs -- in print and digital form Stuff only a parent could love -- from baby teeth to old blankets and first artworks Furniture -- whether it's painted, varnished, or upholstered Family heirlooms -- from silver to rugs to wedding dresses Sports and political memorabilia -- trading cards, posters, equipment, buttons, stickers Attic leftovers -- scrapbooks, military uniforms, medals Musical instruments Fine art -- oil paintings, etchings, lithographs Printed matter -- comic books, magazines, old letters And much, much more With step-by-step instructions, detailed illustrations, tips for making the things you use every day last, and stories about how the Smithsonian takes care of our national treasures, Saving Stuff is the only book you need to take care of the stuff you love.