Thursday, June 5, 2008

Useful tips on conserving 19th century photo-prints

Conservation Conditions:
  • Relative Humidity: 30-40%
  • Temperature: 18 ± 1ºC
  • Air Filtration for Particles
  • Air Purification to Remove Oxidant and Sulphurant gasses
  • Lignin and Acid Free Cellulose Materials
  • Use only Cellulose Triacetate, Polyester (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and Polyethylene Plastics - no PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or any Materials containing Chlorine or Sulphur
Photochemical damage to hand-coloured albumen prints

  • Yellowing of the Albumen Protein
  • Embrittling of the Cellulose
  • Fading of Organic Pigments
  • Degradation of Lignin producing Substances which Stain Prints and Attack Silver Images
  • Acceleration of Chemical Reactions
Lighting conditions for display of 19th century prints

  • Always use lights with UV Filter
  • Protect against Sunlight
  • Light Level: 50 Lux (5 foot-candles)
  • Exhibition time not to exceed 250 hours

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