Archival Materials

There is much information about how long photographs will last. The answer in part depends on what type of materials the image is printed onto and, in the case of inkjet printing, what type of inks. It also depends on how long the print is exposed to light each day, how bright that light is, and other factors such as humidity, temperature and pollution.

All of Peter Eastway's images are printed on archival materials and are designed to last a 'lifetime' when framed under glass.

In terms of photographic prints (C prints), the longest life available in a colour material is 40 years for Fujicolor Crystal Archive colour negative paper; 29 years for Ilfochrome Classic, and 19 years for Kodak Endura paper. (These figures are based on the Wilhelm Imaging Research criteria for prints displayed under glass with with 450 lux lights for 12 hours a day; other testing methods can suggest much longer lives).

Under the same conditions, Peter Eastway's watercolour art paper and canvas prints will last much longer. Printed with Ultrachrome K3 inks, the watercolor paper has a 118 year rating and the canvas paper, which is coated, will last for over 100 years. Black and white prints will last up to 200 years.

Prints will last longer if stored in complete darkness, but most people want to live with their prints. This means hanging them on a wall and enjoying them.

However, no matter what type of artwork you have, direct sunlight will cause fading while heat and humidity can promote mould and discoloration. Don't hang your prints in a sunny window, the bathroom or above the stove!

Cared for, your Peter Eastway original print will last you a lifetime.