How to care for vintage photos
Apr 28, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
A girl and her pup, from the Cause A Frockus collection
Old photographs are a special treasure. It’s our only real chance to take a peek, lift the curtain, and see what life was like in the past. The expressions, the fashion, and the architecture – they may change over time but humanity remains. Seeing the joy of friendship, spark of romance, or pained expressions of anguish connects us with our ancestors. This emotional link makes collecting vintage photos very rewarding, but there are definite ways to ensure these prints are preserved for years to come.
How to care for vintage photos
Taking care of photographs revolves around caution and consistency. Be sure to always handle them with care (using two hands), washing your hands or wearing gloves to preserve the material. Keep them in a cool, dry place free of direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. If your compilation has both negatives and prints, please keep those in separate containers.
Look for containers that are not made of materials including sulfur, acids, and peroxides. Finding storage options that meet this criteria may require a call to conservation supply stores. Keep albums in tact, storing them flat. Be sure to check boxes occasionally to double check no dust or insects have infiltrated.
From the Cause A Frockus collection
As your collection grows, you may need a detailed inventory documenting the details of these treasures. If you must transcribe these notations directly on the photo, be sure to use archival instruments only. Regular inks may bleed through the image, damaging the entire photo. Due to their sensitive nature, we recommend making a digital inventory. Scan each photo and make appropriate notes with photo editing software or within the file name itself.
Sometimes the most sacred photos are the most tattered. When it comes to folds or stains you will not want to attempt fixing it on your own. Local museums make an excellent resource as you look for a recommended paper conservation or archival specialist. This small investment in research will pay off big in your collection’s value and appearance.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: “Tips, Tools, & Techniques: To care for antiques, collectibles, and other treasures” by Georgia Kemp Caraway, UK National Archives, Photography Museum, and the US National Archives.
For our readers: Do you love collecting vintage photos? Tell us all about your favorites in the comments below!
I’m looking for an expert who would know how to care for vintage Film. I have 25 or so 8 MM films of cartoons, documentaries and shows. I’ve got to get a projector to view them but would like to know how I should protect them from damage or repair of restore them if they turn out to be damaged.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your comments and questions! We suggest visiting this resource as they go into more detail regarding vintage film: http://www.nfsa.gov.au/preservation/care/caring-for-film/#three
If you are looking for a film restoration expert, please let me know and I can reach out to our expert network as well.
Cheers!