Message-ID: <4D25DC05.5030202@uwrf.edu> Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:13:09 -0600 From: Kathryn Otto <kathryn.otto@uwrf.edu> Subject: Re: Curled Photos
Good advice, JoAnn.
If you use this method, be sure the trash can and the inside container
are NOT metal. You just need a few inches of water. You can use this
method for most paper items, but never leave anything for more than 24
hours without checking it. Inks can still run if they get too much
humidity and too much humidity can cause problems for photographic
emulsions. You don't need to be checking it every hour, just don't
forget about it and leave it over the weekend. You just need your item
to get enough humidity to unroll without cracking or to flatten out the
curl; you don't need the item to be limp with humidity.
Use acid-free blotting paper on both sides of the item(s) being
flattened. If you have something large -- like a panoramic photo, map,
poster, blueprint -- put a board (or boards) large enough to cover the
whole surface of the item(s) on top of the top blotting paper and then
put weights on the board and the board will distribute the weight
evenly. You only need "moderate" weight.
If you're relaxing and flattening paper items (non-photographic), be
sure to do any needed surface cleaning before adding humidity.
I'm not seeing a leaflet on this method, but if you don't already know
about the Northeast Document Conservation Center's preservation
leaflets, you should bookmark this website:
http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets.list.php. They are a premier
conservation resource and have excellent leaflets.
Attached is 3 pages from Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler's "Archives &
Manuscripts: Conservation" (1983) that describes this method of relaxing
and flattening paper in much greater detail, complete with drawings
showing the trash can set-up and the boards & weights.
* The 2nd edition of this book is called "Preserving Archives &
Manuscripts":
http://saa.archivists.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/store/ItemDescription.html?Action=Cart_Item_Description&InvID_Web=1599&Template=&MarketName_W=&MarketCode_W=&AuthorName_W=&PublisherName_W=&ISBN_W=&Start_W=1&End_W=10&NumToShow=10&Volume_W=&KeywordID_W=388&Time=1976800118&SessionID=15691963qc1w77e9bl23by24fnu2088x82e07f5om0o5717u3j397k3m2cdsh6xr.
* I would also recommend her "Photographs: Archival Care and
Management":
http://saa.archivists.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/store/ItemDescription.html?Action=Cart_Item_Description&InvID_Web=337&Template=&MarketName_W=&MarketCode_W=&AuthorName_W=&PublisherName_W=&ISBN_W=&Start_W=1&End_W=10&NumToShow=10&Volume_W=&KeywordID_W=388&Time=1976800118&SessionID=15691963qc1w77e9bl23by24fnu2088x82e07f5om0o5717u3j397k3m2cdsh6xr.
* Both are available from the Society of American Archivists.
Kathryn Otto
UW-River Falls Area Research Center
On 1/5/2011 1:53 PM, JoAnn wrote:
> I have not yet tried this method, but a retired archivist suggested
> the following: Put some water in a trash can, then place another
> container inside the trash can. Put the curled photos in the interior
> container and leave the photos for a while. Then flatten the photos
> on a table with weights to straighten them. I will probably use some
> folder stock to help keep them flat. I'll be trying out this in the
> coming spring. Good luck! JoAnn Hallquist, Archives Chair, Polk
> County Historical Museum.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Bill Schuette <mailto:wschuette@wicw.net>
> *To:* localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu
> <mailto:localhistory@listserve.uwec.edu>
> *Sent:* Thursday, December 30, 2010 7:04 PM
> *Subject:* Curled Photos
>
> We have a few curled photos in our collection. They are usually 8
> x 10 or larger and are curled into a tube shape. Does anyone have
> a method of permanently straightening out these photos without
> damaging them?
> Thanks for your help.
> Bill Schuette
> Photo Archivist
> Sauk County Historical Society
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