How We Work
Every engagement begins with understanding, not assumptions.
Step 1: Initial Review
An assessment of materials, condition, volume, and intent.
Step 2: Preservation Plan
A proposed structure outlining scope, priorities, and methods.
Step 3: Archival Work
Careful handling, digitisation, organization, and documentation.
Step 4: Delivery & Guidance
Clear handover with guidance for future stewardship.
No two archives are treated the same.
Materials & Standards
Material selection is central to the long-term condition of an archive.
Where required, materials are chosen for their archival properties, including acid-free composition, stability, and reduced risk of chemical interaction over time. At the same time, not all archives require the same level of material specification.
Material decisions are made in relation to:
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the nature of the collection
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intended lifespan
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frequency of handling
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environmental conditions
This allows each archive to be developed with an appropriate balance between preservation, usability, and context.
All materials are reviewed and selected based on archival best practices with consideration for their behaviour over time, whether for long-term conservation or for active, on-going use.
System Selection
Each archive is developed as a complete system, where material choice, structure, and intended use are considered together.
While archival-grade materials are recommended for lomg-term preservation, alternative system may be appropriate depending on how the archive is intended to be accessed, handled, or lived with over time.
Adam Archival works across two material systems.
Conservation System
This system is aligned with established archival standards and priorities long-term material stability.
Materials are selected for their archival properties, including acid-free composition and reduced risk of chemical interaction over time.
Suitable for:
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intergenerational collections
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historically significant materials
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archives intended for long-term retention
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collections with minimal handling
The emphasis is on preservation under appropriate storage conditions.
Curated Preservation System
This system uses carefully selected commercial materials within a structured archival framework.
While not all components meet conservation-grade standards, materials are chosen for overall quality, consistency, and suitability for regurlar use.
Suitable for:
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personal and family albums
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working or frequently accessed archives
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presentation or gifting purposes
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collections intended for active use
The emphasis is on usability and coherence, while maintaining an organized archival structure.
Confirmation
Prior to implementation, the selected system is confirmed. This ensures clarity in how the archive is to be preserved, accessed, and maintained over time.