posted 06-29-2001 09:37 AM               

Personally I have a small place and I have about 7 autos framed and up on the wall. One Alan Bean Litho is at the framers now, and it's place on the wall is reserved. For the most part my covers and pictures are in acid free sleeves in a three ring binder laying on it's side on a shelf.

My acrylics are all in their original boxes awaiting the day I get the proper place to display them. My autographed books are generally wrapped up in boxes, again waiting for that perfect bookshelf space.

I was just curious what the rest of your do? Do you put them in filing cabinets preserved from the evil UV radiation or do you have elaborate museum quality displays in your abode?

Just thought it would be fun to discuss.

------------------
Warm Regards

Douglas Henry

posted 06-29-2001 01:24 PM               

What do I do with my stuff! Well to start with I have a large glass display cabinet in my living room which goes from floor to ceiling and it is full of memorabilia. A lot of the items are toys (still in originl packaging) but I also have a fair collection of orignal items such as comemorative plates and mugs and covers and stamps and medals in this cabinet. I also have my Reheat models as well as other models. It really grabs the attention of anyone visiting. (The annoying thing is that most visitors assume that the collection is my husbands!!!!! What a drag!!). On my wall in the same living room is a very large print of a Space Shuttle on the Launch Pad with stormy skies around it. It is signed by the author. The stairway up to the bedrooms is an art gallery of framed autographed photographs. I have 5 of the orignal Mercury 7 (just Slayton and Grissom (ha ha - I can only dream) to go) I have 8 moon moonwalkers too plus others. (All scans - the originals are in acid free sleeves in an acid free album) (Do not forget the acid free album!!!!!)

In my bedroom tucked away in a wardrobe are two suitcases. One is full of books - lots of books - most oringals. The other is full of a mixture of others things - newspapers cuttings, lithos (unsigned), brochures, patches, slides, pins - I could go on. MY dream is to one day display absolutely everything.

The one thing that I must mention is that I have a very, very tolerant and understanding husband who does not mind having a Space display in the living room and astronuats looking at him as he ascends the stairs to bed. He is so good. (Mind you he has had two holidays to USA because of my hobby - Florida and Texas - with a 3rd planned in February 2002).

I musn't forget the large (approximately 30 videos that I have on all space related subjects - some bought some recorded off the TV). In fact I've just insured my collection because it really is irreplaceable.

Well, thats my stuff!

posted 06-29-2001 02:09 PM               

My daughter has a single autographed photo from Alan Bean in her room.

Most of my autographed books are on a single shelf in the livingroom.

Most of my autographed photos and covers are in sleeves in a three-ring binder down near my desk, as with most of my space books. My on-going effort to write a children's book on the first manned mission to Mars is on my desk under my Bean "Hammer and Feather" print. "Straighten Our Stripes" is awaiting framing, but that will probably end up at work.

posted 06-30-2001 07:11 PM               

Well, Ive got a room with my 'stuff' in it...I mean, the room is strickly for space...maybe some aviation too, but not much. Currently, the rather bright room has sky-blue walls; the ceiling and window borders are white. I really want to paint over the blue: black!!

I have 13 autos in my collection. The first three I ever got are framed with the patches. I figured whenever I got an auto, Id frame it, as I also figured it would be long spaces between each. Then I got eight more at once, and that idea was shot. So I decided that from now on, Id frame the ones that had more meaning to me. Turns out, thankfully, that those first three already framed are the three best! Of the eight more I got at JSC one night, one of them I plan to frame. Another is a maybe, but probably not. And a third I would, except that I have another one on the same photo not of framing worthiness. The rest are in acid-free plastic sheets in a binder. My one signed book is with all the other books, since it has no meaning to me. Maybe one day, I will frame them all....

If you walked into the room, you might think (well, not YOU space collectors with collections!) I had a ton of stuff. I think what makes it look crowded are the walls. Every photo, postcard or poster I have is up on the wall; all framed, but the cheap ones. 99 cents each for crapy 8x10s- only in New York! Yea, Im a rather neat guy (dont tell the girls!). I should say 'orderly'.

I am slowly collecting the patches...Im through sts-38. I did not want to ruin them with glue, but did want to display them...so I devised putting sticky velcrow on them, then putting them in order on black foam-board. The changing weather drops one at a time off, seemingly every day.

My 'leftover' furniture around the room displays everything else: half of my collection is scale models; either desktop type or kits Ive built. About half are planes, the rest space.

...Ive got the three Lucites out there too with the sun shining through them.

My extras, like flown seeds, Buran tile, flown tile pieces, bits and dats...well, they are just there on the dreser in a temporary display...maybe Ill frame some of it someday, but Im not sure what to do with some other stuff! A glass cabinet is a future idea (almost did once, but just could not find the perfect fit!!!).

Anyway...thats basically it. Heres the cherry on top: Ive got this dinky yet "cute" chrome-colored airplane with battery powered prop quietly circling my celing forever and ever...

Keep 'em coming, whatever they are!

------------------
______ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
-Ben
http://www.geocities.com/ovcolumbia/totaleclipse.html

"'Time was invented to keep everything from happening at the same time.
Space was invented so that everything doesen't happen to you.' -Anonymous"

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited June 30, 2001).]

posted 06-30-2001 11:05 PM               

------------------
Happy trails,
Wayne Edelman
(you-are-go-for-tli)

posted 07-01-2001 07:43 AM               

I guess I can summarize nicely by citing a recent conversation with my mother. We were discussing my possibility of moving soon when I suggested I would hire a moving company to come in and pack everything.

"You're going to let them pack your memorabilia collection?" my mother asked.

"No, of course not." I replied.

"So, what else do you own?"

Silience.

posted 07-01-2001 11:40 AM               

My collection is definitely not huge, but is varied. Most of my favorite autographs, signed books, acrylic (LB7), and stamps & medallions are displayed on cherry shelves in our family room. They are intermingled with crystal pieces, family photos, crystals and fossils we have collected, and photo albums. I enjoy having them where I can see them, and it fun when a visitor spots one item that interests him/her and then wants to discover what else is on the shelves. Back to my husband, despite his attempt at non-chalance, he is usually the one who says to a friend "have you seen our latest (whatever is new)..."!

posted 07-02-2001 12:15 AM               

Take a look! http://www.geocities.com/tegwilym2

posted 07-02-2001 02:35 AM               

I've managed to get permission from the trouble and strife to display my pair of Apollo 14 lunar flags, you can view them here:- http://www.joe-davies.com/collection/joewall1.jpg http://www.joe-davies.com/collection/joewall2.jpg

Excuse the lousy images, I just have to get a better digital camera.

posted 07-02-2001 08:48 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ben:
And if you look vey closely at Tom's computer screen, you will see none-other than... ... Collectspace.com!

-Ben

---

Yeah! I was reading this very same message thread when I thought, "hmmmm....a picture speaks a thousand words, I'll just take a few!" Of course I had to be on the CollectSpace page when I took that picture.

You guessed correctly. I'm not married and just live alone in my 3 bedroom townhouse. It seems to fill up more and more with space stuff and other things since there is nobody to keep control of me. It jus gets worse all the time (or better - depending on your point of view!).
I need to scan and photograph everything in my collection separately and create a web page like what Ben has done. I think I'm starting to get inspired to do that after this page I put up.

Tom

- Is it really that bad after you get married?

posted 07-02-2001 12:17 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kirsten:
Better don't marry me, Tom - I am a space nut as well ...

---

Actually, I think it would be best to find someone with similar interests. I figure that is the only way I would find someone that understands me! No luck with that yet, everyone just thinks I'm kind of strange.
Comment often heard at my house "you spent $150 on that old rusty screw?"

posted 07-02-2001 12:43 PM               

Could you imagine where these two would register for their wedding gifts?

:-)

------------------
Warm Regards

Douglas Henry

posted 07-02-2001 12:58 PM               

It was rather a hint to try to find a woman out there in the US who might share his hobby.

Unfortunately for you, I live in Europe ...

Good luck and happy autograph hunting,

posted 07-02-2001 01:20 PM               

A bunch of autographs, most of them obtained IP.

Some posters on the wall. This is how my visitors can spot my hobby.

Some models in one of my book shelves that still need to be built together.

LOTS of books in my book shelves. Must be 100 by now.

And last but not least:

A bunch of "virtual", in some cases real, gals'n guys I can have hecks of tremendous discussions with (if they or I want to). Agreeing with them or disagreeing with them.

Best wishes, Kirsten

posted 07-02-2001 02:20 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kirsten:
It was rather a hint to try to find a woman out there in the US who might share his hobby.

---

Seems that Ken Havekotte found someone that puts up with his hobby. We all know that he has a HUGE amount of stuff!
Maybe there is hope for me yet?

Congratulations Ken!

posted 07-02-2001 02:57 PM               

In my study I have Alan Bean's "In the Beginning" framed and hung to the immediate right of my desk. To the left I have a B&W photograph of the lunar farside framed and with inscriptions (in beautiful gold metallic pen) from Charlie Duke, Edgar Mitchell, and Alan Bean. It was signed in person, so it is very special to me. On one of the other walls I have my absolute favorite: a flag that was carried to the lunar surface on Apollo 16. All of these are framed using protective glass, etc. I also have one of the LB7 acrylics (the $150 variety) on my desk.

Another item that I would like to put on the wall - the classic New York Times edition announcing the Apollo 11 landing/moonwalk. The paper is complete and I waffle back and forth on whether or not the front page should be sacrificed for framing! Beyond that I have a signed photo of Buzz Aldrin (the "Armstrong in visor" shot), which would look good on my wall one day.

posted 07-02-2001 09:27 PM               

Before you even think about framing a 20th century newspaper may I give you a couple of tips? Early newspapers, through about 1880 were printed on rag-based paper and will last virtually forwever with a very little care and use of a bit of common sense, not so newspapers printed since then. Modern newspapers are printed on paper which is essentially wood pulp that has been broken down by the action of sulphuric acid, and most (but not all) of the acid rinsed out at the end of the process. This acid remains in the paper, and is the primary reason why your paper begins to yellow almost the day it is delivered, even if you keep it in a plastic sleeve away from the light. Light and air and heat do hasten the process.

To keep your papers from yellowing further and gradually turning brittle and crumbling to dust, it is imperative that you do the following:
1. deacidify the paper and introduce a buffer to keep acid buried within the fibers from migrating to the surface, interacting with oxygen and continuing the process of deterioration.
2. frame and mount your papers with all acid-free and buffered materials (this includes the backing cardboard and paper used to seal the whole back shut).
3. use UV blocking glass or plexiglass, light is even more an enemy of newsprint that it is to photographs ot lithographs.
4. make sure your artificial light sources are low or non-UV emitting, or are filtered.
5. if you want to do it right apply UV blocking metallic plastic sheeting to your windows.
6. keep the shades drawn and lights off as much as possible.

Numbers 1, 2, 3 would be essential, the other three are worth doing if you have complete control over the environment and want to go to the trouble and expense.

Deacidifying sprays are available from many sources, including some better framing shops...don't let any huckster kid you that mounting your items to a buffered, acid-free board is in any way the answer. You've got to get the acid WITHIN your paper under control first; then it's environment (everything within the frame) must be not just acid-free, but buffered to counteract any acid hidden deep within the structure of the paper itself.

The sprays (WEI T'O and Bookkeeper deacidification Spray are two such products, available at some better framing shops, artist supply stores and dealers in archival preservation materials...see the internet) are not cheap, but a $40.- to $50.- can will help you save many pieces. Obviously, you're not going to spray every page of a 40-50 page newspaper, but you can detach the front/back page, deacidify and frame them, and keep the rest of the paper in an airtight archival plastic bag, into which you've sprinkled a couple teaspoons of baking soda.

Archival quality mat board, backing boards, tape and backing paper can be obtained at a good framing or artists supply house...ask for the ones that are not jst acid-free, but buffered...you will have less choice of colors, but you can't have everything.

A good electrical supply house should have low UV emitting bulbs and/or UV flters. A good lumber yard/home supply house...LOwes, Home Depot as examples, should have available the sheeting you apply to your windows to help reflect the sun's heat and UV rays. Some lumber yards and glass houses also have available or can get UV blocking glass or plexiglass...usually cheaper than framing houses charge.

If you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer them.

posted 07-03-2001 09:23 AM               

Anyone else have some photos of their pile of space stuff they can share?

I think I live IN a pile rather than just a pile in the corner. Most of my photos were just the walls of my home. I guess I better leave it at that or my dirty socks will be viewed by everyone.....

posted 07-03-2001 09:54 AM               

But I remember a neighbour of mine visiting my place and asking me:

"Are you a rocket scientist ?????"

posted 07-03-2001 10:27 AM               

The smiles here are getting out of control!!!

posted 07-03-2001 03:09 PM               

Top shelf -
Space Shuttle EMU Glove, TMG Layer: http://www.collectspace.com/collection/hardware-sts-evaglove.html

Second shelf -
Soyuz TM-20 (Merbold) Pressure Glove http://www.collectspace.com/collection/hardware-rsa-sokolglove.html

posted 07-03-2001 10:46 PM               

On the one but lowest shelf You have a nice Apollo figurine ... which one is this ? And is it still available somewhere ?

Also say YOu have the Russian Sporthoes on Your shelf ...

Nice collection, although I believe You shouldn't place the gloves in the daylight ... mine are in a closed wooden box which sits in a closet ...
Anyone else with tips on storing Books, Photos and space-gear ?
Best regards,
Philip - BELGIUM

posted 07-04-2001 06:05 AM               

The model was purchased at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and to be honest I have never seen one like it since. It is by far my favorite model of a moonwalker.

Here is a close-up: http://www.collectspace.com/review/statue.jpg

Yes, those are Russian "sportshoes" or as I like to refer to them, sneakers. Their story can be read here: http://www.collectspace.com/collection/hardware-rsa-adidas.html

As for display, though I do take precautions (for example, the cabinet is not in the path of direct sunlight and sits in a room where the blinds are always partially closed), a good part of the joy I receive from collecting is from seeing the items on display in my personal mini-museum. I don't think I would collect if I had to keep the items stored away.

Anyway, you have to remember -- these gloves have been subjected to much more than indirect sunlight. All three were designed to sustain exposure to direct space (and therefore unfiltered -- no atmosphere -- sunlight). In addition, these particular Orlan and Shuttle EVA gloves were used for training -- the Shuttle glove inside the neutral buoyancy tank -- so they are already as damaged as one would expect them to get. Add to that the use of PVC plastics in their creation, and they are on a path to destruction no matter what care I provide.

posted 07-04-2001 01:31 PM               

"Hence, I would rather enjoy them today daily than extend their existence by one or two years."

I am much older than Robert, I am 71. so my views may be different than a younger collector but I agree 100% with Robert. Although we (my wife is a big support) only have the tip of the iceberg on display (not enough space for all of the space collection) we enjoy viewing it whenever we can. I realize I do not take the proper precautions to preserve the collection but I weigh the cost and inconvenience of preserving it to the years we will have to enjoy it.

As most collectors we enjoy showing the collection to people that appreciate it. A few weeks ago a friend and collector from Seattle Washington was in the DC area on business, stayed over an extra night and moved to a motel close to where we live (18 miles south of DC). We showed him the displayed collection and then we went out to eat. Since he was a captive audience and for some reason my wife and I felt like talking about the "good old days" living and working with the space program (my wife Nancy taught school at Cocoa Beach). We truly believe he enjoyed the conversation as we enjoyed reliving old times.

The next morning I enjoyed showing him my space book collection. I do not store it properly but do the best I can with the facilities I have. I do believe in covering every dust jacket with plastic covers and if I had it to do over I would use archival covers even though they are much more expensive. Again I weighed the cost and inconvenience of preserving the books to the years I will have to enjoy them.

posted 07-07-2001 02:35 PM               

I wanted to give a long-overdue thank you for responding to my earlier post. The information is very helpful, and I now have the itch to frame my NYT newspaper! Thanks to you I will do so in the best way possible.

posted 07-11-2001 02:57 AM               

Kirsten,
A Female Rocket scientist that would be!