Synopses & Reviews
The most comprehensive book on preserving every type of collectible -- from the sentimental to the valuable -- from the Smithsonian's Senior Conservator. andlt;BRandgt; For both the serious collector and the sometimes sentimentalist, andlt;Iandgt;Saving Stuffandlt;/Iandgt; explains -- in plain language -- how you can use the techniques of museum professionals to keep your prized possessions in mint condition. andlt;BRandgt; You do not need deep pockets or oodles of time: using Don Williams's simple instructions, you can preserve anything quickly and inexpensively. In andlt;Iandgt;Saving Stuff,andlt;/Iandgt; he demystifies preservation and presents easy, foolproof methods anyone can use to save nearly everything, including: andlt;BRandgt; andlt;UL TYPE=DISCandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Photographs -- in print and digital form andlt;LIandgt;Stuff only a parent could love -- from baby teeth to old blankets and first artworks andlt;LIandgt;Furniture -- whether it's painted, varnished, or upholstered andlt;LIandgt;Family heirlooms -- from silver to rugs to wedding dresses andlt;LIandgt;Sports and political memorabilia -- trading cards, posters, equipment, buttons, stickers andlt;LIandgt;Attic leftovers -- scrapbooks, military uniforms, medals andlt;LIandgt;Musical instruments andlt;LIandgt;Fine art -- oil paintings, etchings, lithographs andlt;LIandgt;Printed matter -- comic books, magazines, old letters andlt;LIandgt;And much, much more andlt;/ULandgt; andlt;BRandgt; 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, andlt;Iandgt;Saving Stuffandlt;/Iandgt; is the only book you need to take care of the stuff you love.
Review
"andlt;Iandgt;andlt;Bandgt;Saving Stuffandlt;/Bandgt;andlt;/Iandgt; provides a wealth of invaluable advice to anyone who wishes to care for, preserve, and display personal collections and family treasures." andlt;BRandgt; -- Betty C. Monkman, Curator (Retired), The White House
Review
"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." andlt;BRandgt; -- Joseph Godla, Senior Conservator, Historic New England
Review
"I am someone to whom stuff is serious business, so andlt;Bandgt;andlt;Iandgt;Saving Stuffandlt;/Iandgt;andlt;/Bandgt; is indispensable. Luckily, it covers saving books, because one thing I know I'll always want to save is andlt;Bandgt;andlt;Iandgt;Saving Stuffandlt;/Iandgt;andlt;/Bandgt; itself." andlt;BRandgt; -- Sam Posey, the author of andlt;Iandgt;Playing with Trainsandlt;/Iandgt;
About the Author
andlt;Bandgt;Don Williamsandlt;/Bandgt; is Senior Conservator at the Smithsonian Institution. During his career, he has consulted on the preservation of such artifacts as Archie Bunker's chair and Franklin Roosevelt's desk. He has served as Education Coordinator of the Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education and led conservation workshops throughout the country. Mr. Williams lives near Washington, D.C.andlt;Bandgt;Louisa Jaggarandlt;/Bandgt; has been a columnist for andlt;Iandgt;Washington Parentandlt;/Iandgt; and has contributed articles to andlt;Iandgt;Diversionandlt;/Iandgt; and the online site Family Travel Network. She has written for PBS and the University of Chicago, among others. She lives near Washington, D.C.