It’s nearly that time of year when we meet up with family, eat far too much food and take photos of each other wearing hideous lovely festive jumpers in front of the tree. Nowadays there will no doubt be digital photos, but what about all those old family photographs filling up space in your home? If you want to preserve those memories for years to come then our conservator has some advice for you.
What causes damage?
Photographs are vulnerable to biological, chemical and physical damage. Some photographic processes are more sensitive than others, but all can be damaged through poor handling, inappropriate storage environments and poor-quality storage materials.
Light
Light causes irreversible discolouration and fading, particularly Ultraviolet (UV) light found in daylight and unfiltered fluorescent bulbs. Fading can be a slow process so you may not notice it’s happening. Take a look at photos you have on display; are they pale or desaturated? Do the colours look slightly ‘off’?
Humidity & Temperature
Low temperature and low relative humidity make photographic supports brittle and cause the emulsion layer (the image layer) to crack, while high temperature and high relative humidity will increase the rate of deterioration and encourage pest activity and mould growth.
Look out for damage such as:
- Tarnishing of silver images (also known as ‘mirroring’)
- Fading
- Photographs becoming stuck together (known as ‘blocking’)
- Distortion
- Discolouration
- Mould
Handling & Storage
It is easy to damage photographs just by handling them. Oils from our fingers cause irreparable damage to the emulsion layer, and poor handling can result in scratches, tears, or losses.
You can also inadvertently cause damage by mounting and framing photographs using inappropriate materials or techniques causing tears, creases, staining from self-adhesive tape, or discolouration. Loose photos incorrectly stored, such as in tightly packed boxes, can easily be squashed and torn.
Fire & water
Fire damage can be extensive and cause staining, distortion, or complete loss of the photograph, while water damage from leaks, flooding, or fire prevention may include staining, distortion, or photos becoming stuck together.
Contaminants & pests
Pollutants emitted from inappropriate storage materials, low-quality furniture, or gases from aerosols and air freshers can fade and discolour photographs.
Dust, hair, soot, fibres or pollen, all create dirt, are abrasive, and can encourage pests who may eat away at your photographs.
Did you know?
Degrading nitrate film gives off potentially explosive toxic gases. It catches fire very easily, producing poisonous smoke, and once alight it is very difficult to put out.
Maybe it’s time to double check those old films and negatives!
So what can you do to reduce the risk of damage and prolong the life of your photographic collections?
Store photographs in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Avoid areas prone to rapid changes in temperature or humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, attics, conservatories, or near windows, and regularly check for leaks or signs of damp
- Keep away from direct sources of heat such as radiators, and away from sources of moisture such as damp walls
- Keep storage areas clean and dust free, away from sources of food and water.
- Store off ground level to reduce the risk of damage during a flood
- Store photographs in appropriate archival quality materials
- Don’t overfill boxes
- Consider displaying a digital reproduction instead of the original
- If framing originals use conservation-grade materials and UV filtered glass when possible.
- Avoid handling unless necessary. Use close-fitting gloves made of nitrile or latex, or hold photographs by the edges only and ensure you have clean, dry hands
Storage materials
Photographic material should be stored in suitable archival packaging to prevent damage and help protect against changes in environmental conditions. Examples include four-flap folders, envelopes, or polyester negative sleeves. Avoid self-adhesive photo albums. Traditional photo corners or albums with polyester pockets are recommended.
Paper and card should be:
- Free from wood pulp fibres, acids, and lignin, as well as sulphur, peroxides, metal particles, and harmful sizing agents
- Made from 100% cotton fibres or have a high percentage of alpha cellulose fibre content
- Neutral pH levels (6.5-7.5)
- Look for unbuffered museum or conservation board; unbuffered acid-free tissue; ‘Silversafe’ or ‘pHoton’ paper. Look for materials that have been PAT passed
Plastic should be:
- Inert and free from plasticisers and coatings
- Polyester, or Polypropylene,
- Trade names Melinex or Mylar
Caution: If environmental conditions are unstable then plastic enclosures can create a humid micro-climate which will accelerate ageing.
Do you need advice on your photographic collection? Please email archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and our Archive Conservator will be happy to help!