Hundreds of millions of photographs—moments from the past frozen in time—have been lost, tossed, or degraded over the countless decades since the medium’s invention. Because of their exceptional ability to evoke strong emotions or trigger sentimentality more so than other types of art, there is something special about every old photograph that has survived. Whether the images are of current or long-passed family members or of a more aesthetic nature, it is important to preserve and protect these fragile collectibles.
As is mutual to other art forms, temperature changes, humidity, direct sunlight, and other environmental factors can quickly take their toll on photos. In addition to these natural adversaries, reactions from sulfur compounds, silver nitrates, and other chemicals unique to this medium, the paper-based support, and celluloid material of film and negatives, are particularly vulnerable to deterioration. The easiest way to slow this degeneration process is to avoid storing photographs in basements, attics, or garages. Special archival storage materials specifically designed for long-term stability should be purchased and then packed away free from widely fluctuating humidity, bright light, and extreme temperatures.
Family photos and collections consisting of postcards, stereo cards, baseball cards and the like should be organized as well as protected. Loose-leaf albums consisting of clear Mylar or polypropylene pockets provide a solution; however, many commercially available albums, as well as the familiar old photo albums with black paper pages, are considered potentially hazardous because they may have been made of unsafe materials. "magnetic" photo albums can leave adhesive residues on images, and vinyl non-archival PVC plastic sleeves can give off harmful fumes, so should never be used. In addition to the organizational aspect, loose-leaf albums offer protection from dust, fingerprints, and unnecessary handling.
Larger prints provide a special problem in that they have an alarming tendency to curl and are susceptible to tearing. To solve these problems, the work can be carefully slipped into a clear Mylar envelope, mounted on a 100% rag, acid-free mat board, hinged at each corners, and framed using ultraviolet-filtering acrylic sheets rather than glass. This process holds the image flat and provides support and protection (the Mylar envelope cannot be seen once the print is framed). For those not intended to be framed, the prints can be placed separately in specially made polyethylene “Zip lock” bags or stored together in portfolio boxes made from archival, non-acidic materials.
Much older and more rare collectibles such as Daguerreotypes and tintypes pose special protective and preservation challenges. These, as well as photographs of particular emotional or financial value, should be handled with extreme caution and or taken to conservationists who work specifically in this medium. Although this field is a relatively recent development, experts can offer advice on matters of preservation, display and storage. In addition, many are proficient in safely cleaning and restoring damaged photographic treasures.
The recommendations contained here are intended as guidance only. TamarindArt does not assume responsibility or liability
