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What is the best way to preserve old photos?

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  • What is the best way to preserve old photos?

    Iv been given a tin full of old photos that was once my grandmothers, there is proberbly 80 odd photos of all shapes and sizes. Im trying to figure out the best way to preserve them i want to scan tham all in to the computer but after that what should i do with the originals to keep them safe?

    There is also heaps of slide tye things that i think may be negatives im not sure what to do with these or where to take them to get them developed.

    Any ideas as to what i should be doing with them?

  • #2
    The TNA have a useful guide to looking after photos ...



    If the slides/negatives are a standard size e.g. 35mm you can still get them printed commercially, and you can get scanners which will allow you to copy them yourself onto your computer (and then print them if required). If they are older, glass plate types, you may need a specialist to help.
    Retired professional researcher, and ex- deputy registrar, now based in Worcestershire. Happy to give any help or advice I can ( especially on matters of civil registration) - contact via PM or my website www.chalfontresearch.co.uk
    Follow me on Twittter @ChalfontR

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    • #3
      Thankyou for that link, i had hoped to put them in an album of some sort to keep them in some sort of order but this dosent look to be the best idea. ill continue on my hunt for sutible storage.

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      • #4
        Essentially you're looking to keep the photo from contact with any adhesives, acids, pvc's. All of these will damage the photo over time.

        For individual photos, pvc free plastic bags or sleeves stored away from the direct sunlight in a cool non damp environment.

        For numerous photos, as above, but seperate the photos with acid free paper.

        Another tip is write on the back of the photo in black marker pen who is in the photo, when it was taken etc. This will aid those who inherit/discover the photos in years to come.

        Finally, when framing a precious photo always create a duplicate and store as above. Light will damage a photo in a frame over time so it's worthwhile having a master that's safe and sound.

        Kind regards

        Brent

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Photo Restorer View Post
          Another tip is write on the back of the photo in black marker pen who is in the photo, when it was taken etc. This will aid those who inherit/discover the photos in years to come.
          Yes, BUT -
          Sorry, this is one of my pet peeves: if you know that the photo is a specific person - sure, write that name, but also your initials, and the date you made that notation - if not on the photo then some at least some method that will travel with the photo!

          If you are guessing - then please indicate it's your best guess, again with the above info!

          I have several photos that appear to have some original writing, then subsequent generations added their labels. Sometimes I can credibly argue that the added information is incorrect, but I don't even know who I am arguing with!

          One of those photos is a 3-gen photo of my g'g'grandmother, g'grandmother & grandfather - unless, as re-written, it's my g'step-uncle, and his mother & grandmother. One problem with that: my g'step-uncle was never on the same continent as his grandmother.

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          • #6
            Hi photo restorer, do you know of an online store where i can purchase The acid free paper and PVC free plastic? do you know if there are photo albums you can purchase that are safe for old phots?

            Thanks for the tips

            Photo family i wont be writeing on any of them as i dont know who they are for sure, if i can put them in an album or the like i would be able to make notes in the margins of who i think they could be.

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            • #7
              I've purchased acid free paper (it was also lignan-free) in my grocery store. Other places to look would craft stores/scrapbooking stores, paper stores.

              The latter three may also have the pvc-free sleeves. I have a three ring binder specifically made for archival purposes, that the sleeves are stored in.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Rainy View Post
                Hi photo restorer, do you know of an online store where i can purchase The acid free paper and PVC free plastic? do you know if there are photo albums you can purchase that are safe for old phots?
                A popular online store for genealogical accessories is http://www.my-history.co.uk/
                - but I see you are in Australia so not sure what the postage would be.

                You could pop onto our Wattler thread, where our "down under" members chat, introduce yourself and ask if they could suggest something more local to you!
                - http://www.familytreeforum.com/showt...3-The-Wattlers
                Elaine







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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Rainy View Post
                  Hi photo restorer, do you know of an online store where i can purchase The acid free paper and PVC free plastic? do you know if there are photo albums you can purchase that are safe for old phots?

                  Thanks for the tips

                  Photo family i wont be writeing on any of them as i dont know who they are for sure, if i can put them in an album or the like i would be able to make notes in the margins of who i think they could be.
                  I'll hold my hand up and say I use amazon. I'd love to say I source them from a local art/craft shop but as I order quite a few different things for the business I tend to include things like paper and plastic sleeves in an order every now and then.

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                  • #10
                    You can buy acid free photo sleeves from office supply stores such as Staples or online at any genealogy suppliers. Please do not use markers on the back as it will bleed through over time. There are special photo pens for this purpose

                    Niksmum

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                    • #11
                      Lots of good info in this thread, thanks everyone!

                      Amanda

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