-Photographs will fade in direct sunlight.

-Never laminate photographs. (This cannot be reversed).

-Do not put sticky tape on photographs.

-Never attempt to clean old photos by wiping with water. This will soften the emulsion and tear it.

-Use silica packets in boxes of photos to protect from moisture.

-Don’t put photos face to face as they may stick together.

-Generally, with photographs, the colder the storage, the longer the life.

-N.B. Before attempting any “repairs” on an original photograph consider potential damage. If in doubt, consult a conservator.

 

Mould damage on photographs.

This is caused by water damage and is often seen in tropical regions.

Moisture causes the emulsion to become very soft and fragile.

The best way to avoid this irreversal problem, is to make

sure photographs are stored in a dry place.

The addition of silica gel packs to storage containers is an

added safety measure.

 

Silverfish.

Silverfish damage often occurs in unframed photographs. Along with mould, silverfish or pest damage is permanent.

Framing is a good way to protect from silverfish or other pest damage. It also has the added benefit of protecting from mould

and, if ultra violet glass is used in the framing, from fading.

 

 

 

See our blog page for other interesting articles on photo preservation.

 

 

 

 

Historical Images

The State Library of Victoria has a large collection of historical images that can be downloaded from its website,

“Time out Melbourne” has a number of interesting vintage photographs of Melbourne. 

These are important as we are rapidly losing much of our architectural heritage to modern development.

Also, they provide an important reference for how previous generations lived.