The Hall of Fame does not permanently display most of their photographs because all works on paper are very sensitive to light and exposure. The permanent display of any work on paper, even with controlled light levels, will lead to fading and light damage. The best way to preserve photographs is to "rest" them in climate controlled storage that is free of light. This is what the Hall of Fame does.
I assume that the Hall of Fame will eventually digitize their collection, and anything that they keep in storage is available in their research room upon request. Hundreds or thousands of people view prints, photographs, and papers that they keep in storage each year. I have used their research room before, and it was a great experience. They have a nice collection of 19th century material that would provide very good context to these amazing photographs. The photographs really would not be buried in the basement...
The Hall would be a great place for the photographs, and I think they would be both safer and more appreciated there than at any other museum or historical society. I will seriously consider giving my collection to the Hall when it is time for me to make that decision.
For the record: I don't work at the Hall of Fame.
Kudbegud, if you donate your photographs, you can draw up a contract that restricts the museum/historical society from selling them. You will just want to make sure that you consult a lawyer about the contract. If you decide to sell, I also recommend one of the big auction houses already mentioned. You would certainly have many interested bidders, myself included!
Best,
Charles
Last edited by Old Hoss; 05-16-2011 at 10:27 AM.
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