Help Needed

[Nessie]

I have a problem and would welcome any advice.
A precious photograph has been in a frame for many years and I  noticed a mark in the middle of the photograph, so thought I would take it out of the frame and clean the inside of the glass. To my dismay I find that the photograph is stuck to the glass and I am unable to remove it. Is there any way I can ease the photo from the glass without damaging it? It is an original in black and white and I don't have another copy.

[kizmiaz]

I'd personally say to take it to a professional photo repair shop. They would probably be able to remove the picture quite easily, but to try it at home may cause a great deal of damage which may be difficult or impossible to fix.

Better safe than sorry, I'd say, especialy with a treasured picture.

Glen

[Emjaybee]

Please dont remove it - scan the original through the glass and make a new print.

If the scan still needs repairing just post a message we will help.

Mike

[PrueM]

Agree with both Glen and Meldrew - scan the original through the glass, and then take the original still in the frame to a photograph conservator.  Where do you live Nessie?  I'll find out how you can located your nearest one.  It would not be an expensive process, I've done it myself several times and the results are usually very good.

This reinforces the message that original material - photographs, documents, paintings, whatever - should never be framed up against glass.  There should always be a barrier layer (a window mat) between the two.

Cheers
Prue

[Nessie]

Thanks for the advice Glen, Mike and Prue, I will see if I can find someone in the family to scan the photograph for me
I live in Lancashire and I think Preston would be the nearest place to find someone to restore it for me

[PrueM]

Hello Nessie 

Here is a website where you can search for your nearest conservator:
http://www.conservationregister.com/SearchWorkshop2.asp?accessdenied=%2FSearchWorkshop1%2Easp
(I hope that link works...)

In the search boxes, choose "Conservation and Restoration" in the "Service" one, and for "Search term" choose "Photograph - paper based".  Then choose a postal district and Search.

I tried to see if they let you do a country-wide search, but I don't think they do, so you would have to choose another potential postal area if your first choice doesn't deliver...I notice they have Preston and Blackburn so it might be worth trying both of those.

Let us know how you get on
 
Prue

[coco]

Perhaps you can gently steam it over a kettle - I would work from the back. This is how we used to steam unused stamps off envelopes.

[Nessie]

Thanks Prue, have tried both Blackburn and Preston and it appears the nearest place is in Wakefield, so I will give them a phone call tomorrow morning.

[Emjaybee]

Hang on there.

1. Get a scan from a friend
2. Get it on CD
3. Upload it to Rootschat Photorestoration board , or get the scanning friend to join up and do it for you!
4. There are dozens just waiting for the challenge of repairing it.
5. Job done, no cost, hooray.
6. You will be surpised what the restorers can do.

Mike