care for glass plate negatives

[Michael Fay]

I have 2 original glass plate negatives with important images of SS cultural significance.
there is a film "emulsion(?) " on one side with the images in them.

I really dont know the correct protocol for safe keeping them.
I have them in a short term set up of protection, but would love to know what the "professional" collector of such items does for safe preservation, storage, and yet have ability to access them.--I mean not overly packed up.

I see the glass as an issue...breakable
and the emulsion...how to protect this filmy adhesion and not scratch it or have it peel away?

Much thanks to anyone with advice.
-Michael

[Valter Gorenc]

I would suggest to make a good copy or scan of the image, use the copy for reference, showing etc., and store the original glass plate safely. Emulsion is getting weaker and more prone to the damage with age, so try to handle the original as little as possible.

Here you can find many great articles about professional storage of historical artefacts:

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/pu...onpreservation

check # 14, photographs

[Paul R.]

Good advise. Use cotton gloves while handling glass plates. Valter is correct images on plates are very fragle. Most were made with an organic carrier (type of gelatin) of the silver mask. Make or look for pre made acidfree glass plate enclosres because of the gelatin. These plates should be store in a tempratute a humidity controlled enviroment 24/7 365. Don't store to many plates in an acidfree box. Paul

[BryanD]

Also avoid exposure to Ultra-violet light as much as possible. That will fade the image faster than any thing.

[Michael Fay]

I would suggest to make a good copy or scan of the image, use the copy for reference, showing etc., and store the original glass plate safely. Emulsion is getting weaker and more prone to the damage with age, so try to handle the original as little as possible.

Here you can find many great articles about professional storage of historical artefacts:

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/pu...onpreservation

check # 14, photographs

Hvala !
Valter,
quickly,
I must say thank you.

I did not know just how dangerous it is to store these.
I must say, the info is almost depressing.
I have found the info I need in there...it was hidden...

I am afraid to get near them now.

Any one know where i can buy:

"four-fold sleeves made out of unbuffered, unprinted, neutral pH, alum-rosin-rosin free, lignin-free, high-alpha-cellulose (>87%)paper that passes the PAT test " ?

Michael Fay

[Michael Fay]

glass plates are depressingly hard to care for

Good advise. Use cotton gloves while handling glass plates. Valter is correct images on plates are very fragle. Most were made with an organic carrier (type of gelatin) of the silver mask. Make or look for pre made acidfree glass plate enclosres because of the gelatin. These plates should be store in a tempratute a humidity controlled enviroment 24/7 365. Don't store to many plates in an acidfree box. Paul

Hello Paul,
I just asked this and thought I should bring this question to you.
if anyone knows, you will.
So .....

---Any one know where i can buy:

"four-fold sleeves made out of unbuffered, unprinted, neutral pH, alum-rosin-rosin free, lignin-free, high-alpha-cellulose (>87%)paper that passes the PAT test " ?

[Michael Fay]

thanks

Also avoid exposure to Ultra-violet light as much as possible. That will fade the image faster than any thing.

thanks Bryan,
from the info I just looked at I see you are absolutly correct.

these glass things are depressingly hard to care for.

[Michael Fay]

thanks

accidental repeat.disregard

[Paul R.]

Hi Michael,
This is one of my passions photography. Started out in college in photograph minored in conservation. Somehow they flipped over the years with a degree in both. Any way there are several conservation companies that sell good quality items for conservation of photography. How every all are not equal in the products that they sell. Cheap does not always mean good products hence the name cheap. A lot of companies and stores sell what they believe are archival products when it is not the truth. Don’t get me wrong I want to save a dollar or two, but not when it comes to conservation. Some companies sell knock off conservation products with poor paper, and cheap plastic storage products. Claiming they are 100% archival.
<O</O
I have noticed that some comic book stores also sell these items which are fine. , but the archival paper is thin and Mylar is a thinner weight. Some also are not ever close it being archival.
<O</O
Below are a few companies that sell reputational archival products. Of course I am not endorsing any or all of these companies. Nor or I receive any compensation from them in any form what so ever. I have used all of these for my supplies at various times. They stand behind the products that they sell.
Keep in mind if you don’t see a product listed online. That doesn’t mean that they don’t carry it you may have to call them. Most sell glass plate/negative storeage systems.

Have a Great Holiday Season All

http://www.archivalsuppliers.com
http://www.archivalmethods.com/category.cfm?categoryid=1
http://www.archival.com/index.shtml
http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/index.action
http://www.talas-nyc.com/
http://www.hollingermetaledge.com/