How To Look After Old Photographs

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This one-day course will give you a basic understanding of how traditionally printed photographs are produced and why they deteriorate, with practical instruction on the measures that can be taken to help prevent this and the appropriate materials to use to store and preserve old photographs.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No prior knowledge required.

Special Information

Class members are encouraged to bring examples of their own old family photographs.

Content of Course

Part 1: Theoretical and technical background

The history of photography from its invention, the chemicals and materials used and the different processes of early photography; how these related to Scotland.

Part 2: Practical application

Looking at examples of early photographs and the different early processes used and ways of identifying them and considering their preservation requirements. The use of conservation materials in practice, with discussion of personal requirements.

Teaching method(s)

Lecture based with class discussion including examining examples of early photography and looking at conservation materials.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

Understand various photographic processes and appreciate the measures to be taken to preserve old photographs;
Demonstrate working knowledge of the materials to use in the archival storage of old photographs and the suppliers from whom they can be obtained;
Be aware of the role of old photographs in family history research.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

Clark, S., 2012. Preservation of Photographic Material. London: Preservation Advisory Centre (copy provided with course handout, courtesy of the British Library).

Recommended:

Coe, B. & Mark Haworth-Booth, 1983. A Guide to Early Photographic Processes. London: Victoria and Albert Museum.
Linkman, A., 1991. Caring for your Family Photographs at Home. Manchester: Greater Manchester County Records Office.
Martin, E., 1988. Collecting and Preserving Old Photographs. London: Collins.
Reilly, J., 2001. Care and Idenitifcation of Nineteenth-Century Photographic Prints. Rochester, NY: Kodak.

Class Handouts

A comprehensive handout will be provided with practical advice and sources of materials and further information.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.