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Albumin photographic prints are the most common type of paper photo you will encounter when deaing with 19th century photos. For that reason, a general idea of what they are, how they were made, what their original tone and coloration was like and what preservation steps are possible to protect the original photos as well as the common types of deterioration seen, identification and the role of digital archiving is not a bad idea. With this in mind, I will present a series of threads at this location each concerned with various and fairly specific aspects of the Albumin photo. Perhaps what seperates the Pro from the technician is that while the Tech is skilled in the mechanics of a job, the Pro has the skills plus a deeper knowledge of the underlying reasons and history of the entire situation. Especially when it comes to advising customers on the best method of preserving their old photos and what to avoid, this extra knowledge is not only helpful but can keep you from making costly mistakes or damaging a "one of a kind" photo. The next post will be concerned with a brief history of the Albumin print, from its inception in the 1840's thru its demise in the early 1900's. Thanks, Tom
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Looking forward to your posts Tom! -Jeanie -
Tom,
You can't post too much for me on the history of photography and the processes involved. Bring it on!! Thanks. It will certainly be interesting at least for me.
EdComment
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Tom,
Could I request your insights on Ambrotypes. I have about 30 Ambrotypes of relatives, in various states of repair. On most the picture itself is in reasonable shape, but the backing is crumbling. others have disolorations and flecks of something (mold?) on the picture surface.
I assume the same sorts of humidity ranges for albumin on paper apply to the albumin on glass? At least the glass won't support mold growth, though the albumin will...
Any information on optimal storage would be appreciated.
--tksComment
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Jump on over to the Conservation and Repair forum and Look for the thread "Ambrotype Stuff".... TomComment
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The importance of the Albumin photograph can best be summed up in this: The majority of Americas, and the worlds, history captured by the camera during the years of 1855 thru 1885 was preserved using the Albumin photographic print. First, what is an Albumin print? Simply put, it is a special piece...11-16-2001, 05:53 PM -
One of the main killers of old photos is improper display. As more and more folks begin searching through attics,basements, old trunks etc., the number of old photos being dragged out and displayed is increasing and with that the need to educate your customers on the proper display methods so as to...12-05-2001, 07:30 PM
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By its very nature, the Albumin photo is subject to many preservation problems and many deterioration hazards. On the negative side, many of these are inherent in the very physical and chemical nature of the process used. On the plus side, a few simple steps can be taken which can help to slow down...11-19-2001, 07:25 AM
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Identifying the Albumin print with absolute certainty is, unfortunatly, a rather complicated process involving gross examination, microscopic examination, and various destructive tests only the safest of which will be described here. The need to absolutely and positively determine if a print is an Albumin...11-18-2001, 06:57 AM
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The Albumin photo offered many advantages over its predecessor the salt paper print.Chief among them was the clairity,improved tones and glossy surface. One rather obvious problem,however, remained to be solved--untoned prints varied from a rather pronounced reddish brown to brick red, which most photographers...11-17-2001, 06:33 AM
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