Preservation and care of a philatelic collection

Abstract

Conservation encompasses 3 explicit functions: 1. Examination which is the preliminary procedure taken to determine the original structure and materials comprising an artefact and the extent of its deterioration, alteration and loss. 2. Preservation which is action taken to retard or prevent deterioration or damage in cultural properties by control of the environment and/or treatment of their structure in order to maintain them as nearly as possible in an unchanging state. 3. Restoration which is action taken to return a deteriorated or damaged artefact as nearly as is feasible to its original Form, Design, Colour and Function with minimal further sacrifice of aesthetic and historic integrity. [excerpt]