Ambrotypes & conservation

[Muriel]

I have some old photos, ambrotypes I think but on glass anyway. I took them to WDYTYA at the SEC in Glasgow yesterday to see if there was anyone who could help me date them & work out how to preserve them. In the seeming absence of any expert I had a helpful chat with a conservation person from the National Records of Scotland. She reckoned that they were fairly old, probably the 1860s, & that I should have them copied (but not just scan them on my own scanner!).

I do have them in a box & wrapped in black fabric within that & she is going to send me some special containers. However, what I now need is a specialist photographer or similar to help with their continued preservation. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Muriel

[WilmaM]

You could try a museum for advice or somewhere like the Mitchell Library, they may even be prepared to do it for you.

I have my Grandparent's wedding negatives on glass slides - about A5 sized, they would be from 1925 About 20 years ago I just took them to the local wedding photographer and he contact printed them off for me. [it cost quite a bit though] but no advice on how to preserve them.

Daft thing was I had taken them in as they'd been found in the drawer - wrapped in a single sheet of tissue and a paper bag [John Menzies blue and black to be exact] I got them back individually encased in tissue and bubble and in a big wedding album box! doubtless Dad still has them sitting in a cupboard in the same state.

[paddyscar]

Hi Muriel:

I think that Wilma is giving you great advice, since the Mitchell would most likely have the technology to make copies and advise on preservation of the originals. If not, they would use outside services and be able to direct you to reliable providers.

They may even be willing to exchange the service for the opportunity to include the pictures in their historical collection.

Frances