Nitrocellouse was used as a low-order explosive and was
originally known as guncotton. Nitrocellulose can be plasticized by camphor and
from the 1880’s it was used as a film base for photographs, X-ray films and
motion picture stock. This was known as nitrate film. Needless to say that
numerous fires were caused by unstable nitrate film before it was gradually
replaced by safety films based on the stable cellulose acetate film! Many large
archives of film that hold vintage photographs or motion picture stock contain
this potentially dangerous and unstable nitrate film.
We were recently commissioned by a client to carry out an
analysis of their collection and Sarah Allen our photographic materials
conservation expert identified that a significant part of the archive contained
this potentially unstable film emulsion. The advice we were able to provide
enabled the client to make special provision for this material.
Max in association with Sarah Allen has carried out several
preservation assessments for organisations such as News International, The
Government Art Collection, REME and others. Sarah graduated with an MA in the
Conservation of Historic Objects and has since worked for the Royal Albert
Memorial Museum, the National Trust and English Heritage, picking up
conservation awards along the way!
The aims of the assessments she carries out are to determine
the current condition of photographic collections and to recommend a series of
steps to ensure the long term care.
Not only can Max provide preservation reviews, we are able
to repair photographic material. Repairs can range from simple tears to more
complex treatments such as stain removal or even total restoration of
photographs that have suffered damage from cellulose triacetate degradation,
more commonly known as “Vinegar Syndrome” due to the acidic smell emitted.
 |
| Restoration of a picture that had suffered serious damage due to Vinegar Syndrome |
Sarah is shown below with a broken glass plate that was fully
restored digitally. To enable the item to be scanned effectively before
digitisation it needed to assembled (like a jigsaw puzzle) and held firmly in
place with a bespoke mask.
.jpg)
For further information about our Photographic Conservation
service then contact Chris
George
