Preserving a piece of cinema history.

Wash and dry your hands before handling an original poster. Clean hands prevent oils and moisture from transferring to the paper.

Support the poster fully when moving it — never let it drape or bend under its own weight. Avoid introducing new folds or creases.

• Keep food, drinks, adhesives, and household cleaners away from the area.
• Do not use tape of any kind directly on the artwork — not even repositionable tape.
• If you need to identify a piece, make notes separately rather than writing on the poster or its reverse.

Flat storage is generally preferred where practical. A poster stored horizontally within an archival-quality enclosure, protected by interleaving tissue, is well supported against accidental handling and environmental pressure.

Rolled storage can be appropriate when done carefully. Roll loosely around an archival tube of suitable diameter. Secure with archival ties rather than rubber bands, and store horizontally in a rigid case or tube.

• Avoid adding new folds to a poster that was originally folded. Repeated folding along the same crease weakens the paper.
• Do not improvise storage with non-archival materials such as newspaper or standard cardboard.

Light, heat, and unstable humidity are the main environmental risks for original posters. Fading and yellowing accumulate over time, accelerated by ultraviolet light and wide temperature swings.

• Keep posters away from direct sunlight and windows with prolonged sun exposure.s
• Avoid prolonged display near strong artificial lighting.
• Do not store posters in attics, which reach high temperatures in summer, or damp basements.
• Garages and outbuildings are generally unsuitable due to wide temperature and humidity swings.

Stable, moderate environments are kinder to paper than dramatic seasonal changes. A room you are comfortable living in is usually a reasonable environment for a poster.

A well-framed original poster can be displayed safely for many years. The key is using materials that do not introduce acids or trap moisture against the paper.

• Use archival-quality mats and backing boards — acid-free and appropriately buffered for the paper type.
• Choose mounting methods that avoid direct adhesive contact with the artwork. A poster should be held at its edges or corners, not bonded to a backing board.
• UV-protective glazing can help reduce light-related fading over time. Where a poster has significant value or is displayed in bright conditions, this is generally worthwhile.
• Work with a framer experienced with works on paper. They will understand how to support the poster without damage.

Professional framing is often worthwhile for valuable, fragile, or sentimental pieces. Even for a less important piece, basic conservation practice — acid-free materials, no adhesive on the artwork — remains the right approach.