A photographic journey from ancient times to restorative
measures By Frances Varella and Lauren Hays
Slide 2
Black and white photography captures the human imaginationand
it wasnt until then 18 th century, that photography was first truly
developed. From 470 BCE through 1700 the scientific curiosity for
image reproduction led to the development of the camera obscura.
The name, Latin for vaulted dark chamber, is coined by Johannes
Kepler, German astronomer in 1604. Camera obscura used optics to
see objects that were projected through a pinhole into this
darkened chamber.
Slide 3
1727 through 1816 saw continual advancements in the use of
chemicals and their reactive responses to sunlight on various
surfaces. Blurred and rapidly deteriorating images were captured,
sparking even more curiosity in the scientific community to develop
a better system at image retention. 1816 Nicephore Niepce combines
the camera obscura with photosensitive paper but hadnt yet
developed a lasting photo impression. 1826 Niepce creates a
permanent image by mixing lavender oil and bitumen and coating a
pewter sheet. Placing this in a camera obscura and exposing it to
8hrs of sunlight, a photograph was developed.
Slide 4
1834 Henry Fox Talbot develops negative images using paper
soaked in sodium chloride and a salt solution and by direct contact
printing with these negatives he creates an actual photograph
(positive imagery) on paper. 1837 Louis Daguerre invents the
Daguerreotype process. This process involved silver-plated copper,
coated with silver iodide and developed with warm mercury. So that
his fellow French citizens are able to freely use this process- he
gives up the methods & rights to his process to the French
government. Truly noble gesture!
Slide 5
1851 - Frederick Scott Archer, a London sculptor improves
photographic technique called wet plate collodion,(nitrate cotton
soaked in ether & alcohol mixed with chemicals on glass). This
process permits unlimited reproductions of black and white
photographs. 1854 Adolphe Disderi develops a more portable
photograph studio that is wildly popular. For the next five
decades, photographers roamed the world capturing black and white
images: solemn portraits of citizens, architectural wonders,
capturing the harsh reality of the American civil war and the
beauty of nature.
Slide 6
Slide 7
1888 through 1889 - George Eastman developed the first film
substance from celluloid that was integrated into the camera. He
coined the word, Kodak, as a marketable word and by 1900, had
developed the first mass produced camera. He also coined the
phrase, you press the button, we do the rest. Although color
photographs were being experimented with, black and white
photographs were the essential method for photojournalism and
embraced by artists and photographers around the world.
Slide 8
Slide 9
Although photographic medium using color is the standard, black
and white photography has continued the practice of using the
medium to capture an essence and to focus attention on the subject
matter. Black and white photographs have been improved upon since
George Eastmans time in the late 1880s, but the same basic
materials are still used. Celluloid sheets are coated with
gelatin-dispersed silver halide crystals (How Products are Made,
2011).
Slide 10
Black and white photographic film and papers are composed of
three parts: 1.)a support layer made from either paper, plastic,
glass, or fabric. 2.) a binder layer, normally gelatin, that
actually captures the final image to the support layer. 3.) an
imaging material such as silver that is suspended within the binder
layer.
Slide 11
High humidity can cause the gelatin binder to become soft,
sticky. That combined with high temperature speeds the rate of
deterioration through mold, fungus growth. Low humidity will cause
the binder layer to shrink, crack. Excessive fluctuations in temp.
and humidity can cause structural damage, cracking, curling and
separation within the three photographic layering.
Slide 12
More modern black and white photography can sustain stability
at moderate levels, but historical photos should be kept with lower
light levels. Ultraviolet light through sunlight or a standard
fluorescent light bulb can cause fading and discoloration within a
rapid time, depending on exposure. Displaying behind a UV filter or
using a low UV emitting light can prolong life to your
photographs.
Slide 13
Many wood and paper products contain acids, bleaches and
chemicals that over time can effect the integrity of your
photograph. Adhesives and rubber compounds such as rubber cement
used in magnetic photo albums and rubber bands all contain
chemicals such as PVC which will harm your photographs. Insects and
rodents can eat photographs in addition to damaging with
droppings.
Slide 14
Additional damage can occur through exposure to cleaning
solvents, paints, nitrogen and sulfur fumes reacting to water can
cause the silver images to fade and make support material unstable.
Poor processing methods such as over-used chemical compounds also
contribute to the deterioration of black and white
photographs.
Slide 15
Wear lintless, cotton, gloves Do not use bare hands because the
oil that is on our hands can cause damage to photographs over time.
Photographs should be supported with both hands to avoid bending.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not let liquid get on
them.
Slide 16
The black and white photograph should be kept in a cool, dry
place. Each photograph should have its own separate enclosure.
Choose the proper enclosure Paper Acid-free, Lignin-free, 100% rag,
and not colored Plastic Made of polyester, polypropylene, or
polyethylene Melinex sleeves Combination of Paper and Plastic
Slide 17
Once the photograph is in a paper or plastic enclosure it
should be placed in an acid free box. The boxes should be monitored
as they will become acidic over time due to the emulsions from the
photographs. "The optimal storage conditions for most photographs
are a temperature of 68F and relative humidity in the range of 3040
percent. Film-based negatives and contemporary color photographs
benefit from storage in cooler environments of 3040F and 3040
percent relative humidity (American Institute for Conservation of
Historic and Artistic Works, 2011).
Slide 18
When transporting photographs every measure should be taken to
protect them. The corners should be secured with supports. Sheets
of acrylic glazing with a moisture barrier can be used to package
the photograph and protect it from the changing environment.
Slide 19
Overmatting The photograph is mounted between two pieces of mat
board. The top mat is open to display the print. improves print
presentation and it also offers good protection. It is widely used
by museums and galleries because it is considered the best
technique for displaying prints and for long-term preservation.
This is because the surface of the pint sits just below the
overmat, helping to shield it from physical damage. Also, the print
is not attached permanently to either mat board or dry-mount, there
is less chance of contamination from a tainted board or tissue
(Horenstein, 2005). Dry Mounting The photograph is attached to a
mounting board with glue.
Slide 20
Photographs should avoid being placed where they will be
exposed to large amounts of light. Plexiglas can be placed over the
photograph to help filter out ultraviolet light and protect the
photograph. Another way to exhibit photographs and protect them, is
to make a copy and keep the original in archival storage.
Slide 21
Black and white photographs can be reformatted by using
computer programs, scanners, and/or digital cameras. Creating a
preservation copy is another way to reformat the original
photograph to help in its survival.
Slide 22
When black and white photographs get dirty and need to be
treated, do not use water or solvents. These items can cause
further damage. Photographs can be brushed with a soft brush to
remove dirt. Having a professional conservator work on the
photographs that are very-worn is the best option.
Slide 23
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Works. (2011). Caring for your treasures: Photographs. Retrieved
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Boss Photographic.(2011) Retrieved from
http://www.bossphotographic.com/http://www.bossphotographic.com/
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http://www..rit.edu/news/storyhttp://www..rit.edu/news/story
Greenspun,P. (2007). History of photography timeline. NameMedia
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http://photo.net/learn/history/timelinehttp://photo.net/learn/history/timeline
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http://rleggat.com/photohistory/index.html
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