Worthy of framing? How to preserve?

Very heavy paper. Showing cracks from being rolled up so long. Should I frame it? Or is it too poorly damaged?

 

wasn't rolled ..it was folded...

I'd say if you could flatten the creases....the subject matter alone would be good enough to frame..

 

This is one time when you should seek professional help. Find a good framer (via art museum, librarian, etc.), and see if the paper can be softened enough so that it at least does not crack. The presence of the fold lines is not as important as chipping of the photo would be.

 

Hi,
You can flatten curled and folded photos. I use a plastic shoe box put a plastic screen on three or four plastic spools about 1" high. Add some water place the photo on the screen do not let the water touch the photo and place the lid on every 1/4 hour remove the lid and see if the photo has flattened. You do not want the water to condensate on the lid and drip on the photo. Usually it takes an hour or so to soak the paper backing. Lift the photo out and and place it on some absorbent white paper and put a weight on it. It will dry and flatten out.
greg

 

Thank you greg!
Could this be a photogravure? I think I'll seek a professional afterall

 

A good framer can also vacuum press it to Foamcore making much of that all but disappear.
This is done with pressure only and can usually be undone at some time in the future.