Photograph Conservation

Etherington Conservation Services (ECS) offers a comprehensive approach to the preservation and conservation of a wide range of photographic materials through the collaboration of specialized conservators. Materials such as photographic negatives, cased photographs, silver gelatin prints, color and oversized photographs, and photographic albums and scrapbooks can be treated at our North Carolina facility. Treatment options are based upon a thorough examination of the object, evaluation of its intended use, and how it will be stored. Preservation of the object may involve basic stabilization or rehousing options. Conservation treatments may include surface cleaning, tape and adhesive removal, separation from damaged mounts, mending tears, and consolidation of flaking emulsion. ECS also offers digital restoration and facsimile reproduction services.

Our treatment expertise encompasses knowledge of traditional techniques as well as the latest procedures and materials tested and approved for the conservation of photographs. In accordance with international conservation standards, materials used are as reversible as possible and treatments are limited to the least invasive options. All treatments are documented with written and photographic records. Written documentation is automatically provided to the client and photo documentation can be provided upon request.

ECS also offers collection surveys designed to determine the condition of the materials, preservationally sound storage recommendations, preventative conservation strategies, and treatment priorities.

Treatment Options For Photographic Materials:

• mold removal
• surface cleaning
• stain reduction
• tape and adhesive removal
• separation from poor quality mounts
• consolidation of cracked or flaking emulsion
• mending tears or breaks
• lining
• conservation of cased photographs and case repair
  • daguerreotypes
  • ambrotypes
  • ferrotypes
• electro cleansing of tarnished daguerreotypes
• rehousing options
  • four-flap enclosures
  • clamshell boxes
  • polyester sleeves
  • encapsulation
  • post binders
  • conservation framing