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Photography: Processes, Preservation, and Conservation
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Portraits-Evening, 1903, printed 1908. Edward Steichen (American, b. Luxembourg, 1879–1973). Gum dichromate over platinum print. Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933 (33.43.21).
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Basic Guidelines for the Preservation of Photographs
Store photographs in a cool, dry, clean, and stable environment where there are no dramatic shifts in temperature or humidity. The area should have good air filtration and be removed from sources of dust, dirt, and air pollutants (sulfur from car exhaust; ozone from photocopiers; oxidizing gases from paints, adhesives, and construction materials). Avoid hanging photographs over heating vents or fireplaces, near windows, and in other unstable environments.
Exhibit or store photographs in 100 percent rag window mats or folders or in polyester or polyethylene plastic sleeves. Avoid using any adhesive (tape, rubber cement, white glue) in direct contact with the photograph. Good quality photo-corners may be used to hold a photograph in place on an album page or within a mat. Materials listed as having passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) are recommended.
All types of light are damaging to photographs, no matter what precautions are taken, and light damage to organic materials is irreversible. Therefore, framed photographs should be hung in areas of low light and away from direct sunlight. Use glass or acrylic with a built-in ultraviolet filter for added protection. When possible, rotate pictures on view to reduce the length of exposure to light.
Color photographs are susceptible to fading in both the light and the dark. Many institutions use cold-storage vaults to preserve color photographs.
Take good care of negatives as well as positives; if well maintained, negatives can be used to make new prints.
Do not try to clean or repair a photograph on your own; seek the advice of a professional conservator.
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