**CONSERVATION ADVICE - check here for FAQs**

[Emjaybee]

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

[Emjaybee]

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

[ev2210]

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?

[PrueM]

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

[ymfoster]

Here's another site for dating photos 


http://www.acay.com.au/~gsm/DatingPhotos.html

[sheronb]

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!!

[aletan]

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

[PrueM]

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

[aletan]

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