Caring for photographic collections

Most photographic materials are made of several layers, including a support layer (glass, plastic, metal or paper) and an emulsion layer.

Each layer has its own particular deterioration characteristics which may determine the specific storage requirements.

Physical damage including tears (paper), breakages (glass), abrasion, scratching & creases
Insect and mould attack
Fading
Yellowing
Silver mirroring
Staining

Hold prints and negatives at the edges and make sure hands are clean and dry
Don’t attempt to open cased photographs such as daguerreotypes
Avoid writing on the surface of a photograph
When labelling photographs, use a soft lead pencil like a 2B, and write one the back of the photograph at the edges
Never use metal pins, paper clips, staples or rubber bands on photographs
Never use sticky tape, adhesive labels or post-it notes on photographs
Use good quality facsimiles for display to protect originals from light damage.
Facsimiles can be generated digitally with relative ease but save the digital file in high resolution to ensure that subsequent copies can be made. Seek advice for the appropriate scanning technique if your photo is damaged, cracked or fragile.
Store photographs in clean, cool, dry, dark spaces such as a closed cupboard. Position these cupboards in the interior or coolest part of the premises out of direct light and sun.
Avoid storing photographs in damp spaces like garages, basements, sheds and cupboards next to bathrooms.
Choose coated metal shelving rather than wooden shelves which can off-gas and cause deterioration.
Select acid-free materials with a neutral pH for storing photographs. Mylar sleeves and acid free envelopes are available from most conservation suppliers.
Avoid eating or drinking near photographs

Preserving Photographs, National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au

Caring for photographs, National Film and Sound Archives, www.nfsa.gov.au

Caring for photographs, State Library of Victoria, www.slv.vic.gov.au

Caring for photographs, Connecting to Collections www.connectingtocollections.org

Caring for your photographs, National Archives (UK) www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Introduction to storage and display materials Museums Galleries Scotland www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk

Types of photographs, North East Document Conservation Center, www.nedcc.org/free-resources