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Family History Documents and Artefacts => FH Documents and Artefacts => Topic started by: Emjaybee on Monday 08 August 05 13:37 BST (UK)
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If your family pictures are in one of the 60's style plastic film albums, take them out immediately (If you can).
The tacky page will damage the picture as the glue is not stable and will migrate into the emulsion.
Mike
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If you have documents on your hard drive, make a printed copy, when the day comes for your family to dismantle your life long work and send it to the Local Record Office they usually require printed copies.
Yes, dear friend, your work will be of interest to future researchers. I have recently aquired (via the boot sale) three books that are printed versions of the daily notes of ordinary people like us, but superb for my interest of local history research.
Mike
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Hi.
I don't live in England but I have some very old glass negatives, at least I think thats what you call them. I would guess they are from the 1850s. Any ideas how to preserve them and repair them?
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Hi ev2210,
Have you had a look at the links at the top of this topic? They might give you some good information...the best thing to do would be to cotnact a conservator in your area, preferably one who specialises in paper or photographs. They will be able to check the condition of the photos for you, and advise on appropriate intervention (if needed) and storage. It won't cost alot, if anything, to get their advice.
Sounds like you probably have some ambrotypes/direct positives on glass, rather than negatives. Are they little - like maybe 2 or 3 inches high?
Prue
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Here's another site for dating photos :)
http://www.acay.com.au/~gsm/DatingPhotos.html
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Hi, I have been reading this topic, but i cant seem to find what i need.
I have 4 letters from 1916, now 3 of them are written in pencil, all have folded over to a small size.
I would like to buy something to keep them in, thought one site did just recommend a box, which they have been kept in, and should i leave them folded up, or unfold them??
sorry to sound so dim!!
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hi i wounder if anyone can help please.
I know taperstries are not photographs but I after acid free tissue paper and some kind of box to hold them in which will not cost the earth.
Does anyone know where I can buy them from in the Uk or on line?
They are from the1840's and are starting to become fragile.
Thank you for any help anyone can give me
Regards
Aletan
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Hi Aletan :)
You could try an art/craft supply shop for the paper and boxes you need - tell them you want products that are lignin-free and pH neutral. I recommend using a card box rather than plastic, so that it can "breathe".
You could also try contacting a conservation supplier - I found the following online:
http://www.conservation-by-design.co.uk/acidfree/acidfree19.html (storage box)
http://www.conservation-by-design.co.uk/papers/papers26.html (tissue paper)
Make sure you keep the tapestries flat, not folded, and handle them with gloves on, or at least with very very clean hands. It might be worth getting some advice from a textiles conservator about whether they are in a good enough condition to store...they may recommend some minor cleaning work to improve them before you store them away. You can find a conservator here:
http://www.conservationregister.com/find-a-conservator.asp?id=2
Cheers
Prue
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hi
Thank you for your help.
I am very careful with them as I do sew my self and only handle when necessary. They have only just come in my care. I want to do the best for them.
Thank you again for you help.
Aletan
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I have just spent a lovely evening last night with a glass of wine looking at all the wonderfull photos on this forum and thought I might add my 2cents worth. Auckland Art Gallery provide a (PDF) document you can download for free on preventative conservation. I'm a complete computer dummy so I dont know how to send links (must ask my 9yr old) but if you go to www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz/services/conservation/artcarebook.asp You will need Adobe Acrobat. Cheers Merideth
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Hi
I have a photo of my great grandfather in a frame. I have noticed rust spots forming on the inside of the glass.
Should I cut it out of the frame, clean the glass and then reseal it or remove it from the frame and put it in an album (acid free etc)?
Are photos in frames good enough conservation if out of extreme temperatures and direct sunlight?
Jane
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Hi
I have a photo of my great grandfather in a frame. I have noticed rust spots forming on the inside of the glass.
Should I cut it out of the frame, clean the glass and then reseal it or remove it from the frame and put it in an album (acid free etc)?
Are photos in frames good enough conservation if out of extreme temperatures and direct sunlight?
Jane
Hi Jane :)
To answer your last question first - yes, photos in frames are fine if those conditions are met, and if they are framed with good quality materials. If the frame is not a complex one, then it would be a good idea to remove the photo from it, clean off the glass with hot soapy water, rinse with clean water, and air dry. Then polish it off with a clean dry cloth. The spots on the glass sound like mould so make sure the glass is really clean and dry. clean out any dust etc. from the inside of the frame as well. Remove any old backing paper, pins/tacks etc.
When putting the photo back into the frame, it would be best to make sure that the photo is held away from the glass by some kind of spacer. This is where the window mat comes into its own. A framing shop should be able to cut one for you. They shoudl also be able to supply a board of appropriate thickness to go behind the photo, and some gummed tape (eg linen or paper) to seal it all up. Before sealing with tape, you should nail some small tacks in around the edges, to hold the board in. All materials shoudl be the best quality you can afford; preferably conservation or museum grade, also called alpha-cellulose or 100% cotton rag boards.
Hope that helps :)
Prue
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Prue
I knew you would give me the answer. I will follow the instructions to the letter.
Thanks
Jane
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;D Good on you Jane
Happy to be of service.
Cheers
P :)
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I've just read this thread and have started taking out all photos from photo albums, but some of them are stuck quite strong and are going to tear if I remove them. I have thought about steaming them, will this damage the photos.
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Hello vowlest :)
Yes, it probably will, unless you can concentrate the steam and direct it pretty accurately underneath the photos as you lift them. In particular, older photos on paper and card are vulnerable to damage. Newer, resin-coated papers are more resilient.
Have you tried using a blunt blade? I like to use one of those old-style butter knives, you know the ones with the bone handles? They have a very broad, flat, blunt blade which you can carefully work under one corner of the photo, and then working very slowly with very little pressure, pull it under the photo and gently lift as you go. I've heard of people doing the same thing with a length of waxed dental floss, but I haven't tried that myself!
Another way, if you don't want to keep the albums, would be to leave the photos on the page, and pull the whole page out of the album. Then split the page through the middle (it should be laminated) using your blade, separating the front and back of the page. Cut the pages so that each photograph is on its own bit of page. Then continue splitting each half so it gets thinner and thinner. Once you are down to the thinnest layer you can achieve, you may be able to then use steam on the remainder of the page to try to remove it.
If none of these methods works, or you don't want to attempt them, I suggest finding a paper or photograph conservator who can help you. Details at the top of this thread.
I hope that helps! :D
Prue
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Thanks Prue. Loads of great ideas there. I think I might try the butter knife. I'm going to scan them all onto disc shortly so that should make sure they don't fade away to nothing anyway.
Thanks again
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Hi,
Would someone please advise me about printing the wonderfully restored photos I have on RC?
I've read several pieces of advice, but need a little guidance. Would they be OK if printed on my HP printer or would they be better if put on a disk and reproduced at a photo shop?
Regards, Kathleen
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Hi Kathleen
Whether you print them at home or at a photo shop won't make a huge lot of difference. In general, pigment inks (normally used at professional digital photo labs) will last longer than dye-based inks (like we use at home or like the cheaper photo shops), but it all depends on storage of your prints. If you just keep them in an album or box in the house, they might last 20 years without changing colour. If you display them in a frame, they might only last a year before they fade! If you store them in the freezer, you might have them for 100 years.
The best thing to do is to print them off when you need/want them, and make sure you keep copies of the digital files. I found this website that looks pretty useful, with information about keeping digital files safely:
http://www.savemymemories.org/Default.aspx
I hope that helps! :D
Cheers
Prue
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Hi Prue,
Thank you very much for clarifying this for me.
I have the originals in special folders, but was not sure about the beautifully restored copies. I have seen a variety of answers to the question, so thought it best to inquire. I want to put some in frames, away from direct light, so was concerned.
Your answer is a great help as usual.
Wonder if I have room in my freezer. ;D
Regards, Kathleen
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Re: Removing Photos' from Old Albums!
Years ago, my Mother found a good way to Remove Photo's from Her Old (Threadbare) Album!
She just Cut Around any Photo's that were 'Firmly Attached'! ;)
Some later had their 'Backing' Removed (with Great Care!).
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Funny story
Was at my fathers over in england - he split with my mum when I was seven.
Asked to scan photos and he showed me a few from when that 'era' which had been cut in half.
He was a bit embarrassed but I put him at ease by sying "I have seen the other halves of some of these"
Managed to scan His grandfather in WW1 uniform so was a worthwhile visit (and to see him of course) He is 70 and walks over 25 miles a week - he's actually fitter than me I think ! - makes you think, doesn't it
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I have just found a website that will keep all your documents photos for the next 100 years! So once you have restored your photos why not upload them and keep them safe
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Hi,
What is the website?
Kathleen
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I have just found a website that will keep all your documents photos for the next 100 years! So once you have restored your photos why not upload them and keep them safe
I doubt any website can guarantee your digital files will be viable and available in 100 years, even if just for the simple reason that the website could go down at any time! Not to mention technical obsolescence. More details please!
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Hi, I have been reading this topic, but i cant seem to find what i need.
I have 4 letters from 1916, now 3 of them are written in pencil, all have folded over to a small size.
I would like to buy something to keep them in, thought one site did just recommend a box, which they have been kept in, and should i leave them folded up, or unfold them??
sorry to sound so dim!!
I would also like to know how to store letters from this period ... most of mine are written in ink, but there is one very faded telegram written in pencil.
Rachel
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Hi Rachel,
I realise I had never replied to sheronb's message from last year - if sheronb reads this, please accept my apologies!
Here is a link on the national archives of Australia's website, with FAQs about preserving your documents etc:
http://naa.gov.au/records-management/secure-and-store/physical-preservation/faq/index.aspx
Another useful page is here:
http://www.conservationregister.com/familydocuments.asp?id=4
I recommend that people store documents in clear plastic (polyethylene or polyester) pockets or sleeves. These can then either be laid in a box, or put into a folder, for storage. They must be stored flat, however, not upright on a shelf. Make copies if they are documents that you refer to alot.
If you are unable to unfold or flatten a document because it's tightly folded or rolled, let me know and I will give you some advice for a simple method of getting the paper to relax so it can be flattened.
Cheers
Prue
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:) Thank you Prue those are useful sites .... I've added them to my favourites :)
Would the normal 'acid free' plastic envelopes (the sort that can go in ring binders)
be suitable for storing letters ? Or should I be looking for something of better quality ?
Thanks again
Rachel
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Hi Rachel,
The 'acid free' plastic pockets are just fine :) Make sure they are not PVC - although I doubt any you can get these days would be PVC.
Cheers
Prue
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Hi Rachel,
The 'acid free' plastic pockets are just fine :) Make sure they are not PVC - although I doubt any you can get these days would be PVC.
Cheers
Prue
:-* :-* :-* :-*
Thank you :) :) :)
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Hi,
Have read this thread with interest ... but did not find an answer to my particular problem.
How do I get rid of the smell of musk and dampness that surrounds a bunch of old photos that I have rescued ? I know that sunshine will help with things fabric ... but I don't want to risk any more damage to these photos. They have started to curl as well ... any ideas ?
with thanks,
Sharron
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Hi Sharron :)
Sunshine will help with paper, too, but as you say, not really with photographs (unless you want them fried :o )
Separating them out and laying them on a clean sheet or some clean butcher's paper etc. and putting them on a table or in a room with good air circulation is one possible solution. I don't mean a stiff breeze should be coming through the window, but somewhere with gentle air movement. You could put a fan on low and oscillate it around the room. This will help to dry out whatever dampness there is in the photos.
I've also had success placing photos, books, papers etc. into a sealed plastic container along with a sachet of bicarb soda. Pour some bicarb into a gauze pocket (I make mine out of wide gauze bandages, stitch up the sides and tie with string) - you want a good handful - and place it at one end of the container. Put some photos up the other end - you will need to interleave them with some clean paper, and have them quite 'loose' if you know what I mean, to allow air to get in around them. Leave them sealed up in the container for a week or so, then replace the bicarb and leave for another week. Hopefully alot of the smell should have gone.
I hope this helps - let me know how you get on!
Prue
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Forgot to answer your question about the curling :-[
Once you have dealt with the mustiness, place the photos into an album (there should be details about albums somewhere back in this thread). Once they have come to equilibrium with the environment in your home or wherever you store them, the curling should decrease.
Prue
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Hi all,
someone back there asked about what to do with the pics that have been restored by RootsChatters. What I do with pics I have scanned or downloaded is to print on plain copy paper and laminate for any I will be using on a regular basis, or to send to relies etc. For archival pics I print onto archival art paper and fix with art fixative. (pressure pack spray) I've tried several brands & quality of photo papers but haven't been happy with the result. I use Pelican brand inks in my printer, and yes your printer warrenty stands if you use generic ink cartridges in your printer.
Cheers,
Leonie.
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Forgot to mention, Pelican inks have been around for centuries and are 'tried and trusted' by artists all over the world. Google 'Pelican+inks' and you will see what I'm on about.
Cheers,
Leonie.
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Thank you Prue,
Sound advice and I will definately be putting a box of baking soda in with this particular batch of photos (don't have a clue why I didn't think of that) and when the smell is gone I'll store them properly. I consider them a real treasure.
I appreciate your help.
Warm regards,
Sharron
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Major caveat about laminating photos - always keep at least one copy that is not laminated. If you are unlucky enough to lose or damage the original as well as any scanned file on your computer, it will be an absolute pig to rescan from the laminated copy - you'll get flare from the scanner light beam hitting the glossy surface.
If you have a monochrome photo, and you notice any small spots appearing on the surface, get a good quality copy made as soon as possible - these might not be mould. I had one where the print hadn't been fixed properly, and the image gradually broke up, luckily I had the neg. - and I have one with shiny areas which I believe are something to do with the use of silver halide in the developing process. This one doesn't seem to be corrupting, but I'm not taking any chances...
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Comment on the caveat. Never, never, never laminate original anything!
That's what this thread is all about, conserving your precious photos and documents. Laminating is for copies only.
Cheers,
Leonie.
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Comment on the caveat. Never, never, never laminate original anything!
That's what this thread is all about, conserving your precious photos and documents. Laminating is for copies only.
Cheers,
Leonie.
I have never perpetrated this sin myself, but I know someone who did, and the results were tragic - not only could the image not be rescanned successfully, but the chemicals or glues in the laminate started to act on the image, which began to "bleed" into it. The only cure was to get a pro. photographer as fast as poss., to stick it on a rostrum camera with an anti-reflective screen and retouch the result, but the copy was never going to be as good the original, no matter how hard he tried.
The photo this happened to was an original b/w photo print, and I'm backing up Leonie's warning with another horror story - it's not just cold or hot laminating machines that can destroy your stuff. Whatever you do don't use the self-adhesive peel-offs either (Transpaseal and the like) as they will absorb the dyes from printed matter of all kinds as effectively as the other sort.
I'm probably stating the blindingly obvious here, but if you have anything so precious it would just about be the end of the world if you lost it, scan it at the highest possible res. you can manage - you can archive that one (offsite backup too) and resample a copy downwards for everyday use.
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I have just discovered that my wedding photographs (1970s, presented in an album behind plastic sheets, not glued type) is deteriorating. The plastic is becoming brittle and going liquid and marking the b/w and colour prints. What should I do????
Help!!!!
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Hi Jaag :D
So the plastic sheets are deteriorating? Sounds like it's PVC and it's in its death throes! You must get those photos out of the album and away from the plastic. OR...get the plastic out of the album, if it's possible to do that, even just by cutting them out at the spine.
If you have plastic residue on your photos, you will need to find a photograph conservator to remove it for you. Where in the world do you live - depending on this I'll recommend a site where you can look up conservators in your area?
Once your photographs are safe, I would recommend having digital copies made, and stored on hard disk and CD in TIFF format.
If you would like more info about any of this, please let me know. There's a new topic on the Photo Restoration board with links to various threads on Rootschat about conservation matters...some of them might be useful:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,286501.0.html
Prue :)
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Hello Prue,
Yes, the plastic is deteriorating. We have removed the photographs and wiped them down with paper towels, but I think there is still once-liquid residue left on them. I am still concerned about this being left on the photographs.
We have scanned them (colour, 600dpi, TIF - same as TIFF?), just on hard drive at the moment.
We live in Townsville, North Queensland, AUS.
Thanks.
Regards
Jeff
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Hi Geoff,
Be very careful about wiping the surfaces of photographs with anything...you could damage or remove the emulsion.
If you follow this link:
http://www.aiccm.org.au/public/content/ViewCategory.aspx?id=5
...you will be able to download a list of conservators who undertake freelance work. There is a separate list for each state/territory.
Let me know if you need any more help or information :)
Prue
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Preservation and Conservation advice:
http://amol.org.au/recollections/
http://www.naa.gov.au/recordkeeping/rkpubs/advices/index.html
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/genpub/