Dear Donia,
How do I frame a tear-off calendar?
Q. Dear Donia,
I have an old tear-off calendar from 1948 that I'd like to frame. How do I frame it intact? Thank you, Helen
A. Dear Helen,
Excellent question and thank you for asking how to mount the calendar safely. From the date of your calendar, it is most likely made from a wood pulp paper that has become acidic over time so you will want to be sure to use the best materials possible at all stages of the framing process to offer the best protection for the calendar to provide more protection. Use Museum Rag Mat board for the backing and matting, Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste for the hinges (more on this coming), and UV blocking glass or Plexiglas for the glazing.
You can frame the calendar with a window mat or you can float mount it. Simple directions for mounting can be found in the NEDCC Leaflet 7.4 How to Do Your Own Matting and Hinging. This can help you do the mounting yourself or give you the information you need to talk to your framer.
Once framed, to help preserve the item even further, do not hang on an exterior wall and keep the calendar away from direct sunlight.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me again if you have any more questions!