Solander Boxes
What does a Solander box do?
Made with museum-standard materials and processes, City Art Depot Solander boxes provide a robust environment purpose-built for the archival storage and safe presentation of art works, taonga, photographs, documents, books and other valuable items. Often referred to as clamshell boxes, Solander boxes are designed with a collapsible spine, the Solander box allows for the safe removal of items.
Where does the name ‘Solander box’ come from?
The Solander box design, with its distinctive collapsible spine, was originally devised by Swedish naturalist Daniel Solander (1733-1782) while cataloguing the natural history collection at the British Museum. Solander later accompanied Joseph Banks on Captain James Cook’s first expedition to the Pacific Ocean on the Endeavour from 1768 to 1771.
What can I store in a Solander box?
City Art Depot has designed and fitted out Solander boxes for a range of purposes. These include art works, rare books, print collections, legal documents, architectural plans, jewellery, photographs and other precious and fragile items.
What are City Art Depot Solander boxes made of?
City Art Depot Solander boxes are made using finger-jointed plywood sides. The interior lining is adhered with PAT (Photographic Activity Test) compliant dry adhesives. This helps prevent the issue of deairing as the boxes have little or no off-gassing. This interior lining is 100% cotton museum board that passes all Library of Congress standards and presents an elegant archival facing for content presentation. Made-to-measure City Art Depot Solander boxes have the option to be finished with classic brass hook and eye fasteners and label holder, completing a beautifully crafted exterior.
How big are Solander boxes?
City Art Depot Solander Boxes are available in a range of sizes and depths. Each box is made to measure up to an internal dimension of 700x940mm.
How much does a Solander Box cost?
Prices are based on the size of the box and how customised the interior of the box is. A run down of base costs can be found here.
