If you:

(i) plan to access / handle your prints on a regular basis; and
(ii) have the budget for it, 

I would recommend acid-free, clear polyester pockets.

Secol produces them in large format (e.g. 77.5 x 102.5 cm or 85.7 x 120.7 cm). The company also has bespoke service offering any other size of archival pocket you require.

All fair points, making me realise I failed to express myself clearly and fully.

By handling prints "on a regular basis", I meant handling them only after insertion in the clear polyester pockets.

Separately, the 100-micron thickness of the polyester is too thin for picking up large-size pockets in a careless manner. Unless held by their opposite far ends, the pockets risk flopping over and creasing the prints inside.

For this reason, I use archival stiffeners in the pockets. They are slightly smaller than the pockets themselves. Secol can make them according to customer specifications: material, thickness and measurements. The stiffeners allow for much rougher handling when moving the pockets around.

Inserting prints into the pockets or removing them becomes far simpler as well, because the prints can be slid in or out on top of the stiffener. The stiffener — not the print — takes the brunt of any resistance from the pocket during this process, thereby minimising any risk of damage. Each pocket can then also hold two prints: one on either side of the stiffener, its secondary role being that of a divider.

It's down to your personal preferences and needs.

The Trantec sleeves in large format are convenient for the ease with which prints can be inserted and removed. At 250 microns, they're substantial in thickness and weight.

My own choice, however, was for pockets — which are welded on three sides. They offer slightly more protection from atmospheric dust and humidity. They also create a tighter overall vacuum seal, meaning there's likely to be less shifting and slippage of the prints if the pockets holding them are moved around.

I've found the telephone receptionist at Secol very helpful. It may be worthwhile having a chat with her about your specific requirements. Secol were happy to send me a complimentary sample of a Trantec sleeve (one of the smaller and thinner 50-micron sleeves) so that I could see how the flap lock worked in person.

If, in addition to storage, you're likely to be displaying or presenting work to be kept in sleeves, consider also Selwyns.

Selwyns archival print sleeves are a fantastic product. I ordered a batch of the 32x42 the quality is excellent and the centre board makes sliding the prints in an out relatively painless. They arrived in a really strong box which I still store them in.

I would not sleep at night...

This is a fascinating thread. In all honesty I have only ever bought art to hang on walls, which puts some kind of brake on my buying behaviour. So some questions to the owners of these beautiful chests.

1) How many prints/pieces do you own?
2) How do you "enjoy" the art. Is knowing you own it enough or do you take them out to admire them from time to time.

This a 1930 vintage oak file, painted white, fresh hardware with a reclaimed wooden top custom made for it, hope you guys like it.

Thanks man, I needed it to look like a piece of furniture otherwise the wife would cut my hands off. The flat file I purchased for $250 and the top cost me $200, hardware maybe 20$? so all in total like 470-500$. Fits 24x36" prints too which is great. 

That's beautiful work, gotta love wood and all the amazing things you can do with it. Props man. 

agreed, Bisley is the way forward.......

After purchasing a standard flat file cabinet I realized it looked more office than street, so I took it to a local shop and had them make some changes. They removed the powder coat finish, welded on some heavy duty wheels, and gave it a new life.

I am selling on if anyone is interested.

Info here

3 drawers with brass cup handles and card holders spaces.

Very well made piece of furniture, lovely colour wood, dove tail joints to drawers.

Drawers run smooth and feel light. The top draw is slightly sticky but nothing that affects the closure, just to be honest.

Width: 117 cm
Depth: 91 cm
Height: 38 cm

Pickup from Dulwich

looking for £250 ONO

I think the wood is Oak I am looking for as close to £250 as possible. I think this is a good deal on a solid bit of furniture.













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