Care and Identification of 19th-Century Photographic Prints

Rating:
Summary: Detailed Care for PAPER Photos Based on Scientific Research
Review: To learn more about old photographs and their care, I ordered three books; An Ounce of Preservation by Craig Tuttle, Collector's Guide to Early Photographs by O. Henry Mace, and Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographic Prints by James Reilly.

It doesn't take long to see why this book is often quoted as an outstanding reference regarding care of old photographs. This book is the outgrowth of intensive scientific research performed under the direction of the author at Rochester Institute of Technology. The research was funded by the National Endowment for Humanities, the National Museum Act, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

The focus of the book is care and identification of "Albumen" prints and other paper based photographs. The title is misleading, in that virtually nothing is contained regarding photographic prints on materials other than paper. Not only are daguerreotype, ambrotype and tintype not even mentioned in the chapter "The History of Photographic Printing in The 19th Century," they aren't mentioned until almost half way through the book, and then only briefly. The information on paper prints, however, is extensive. Detailed descriptions are included of the composition of paper prints and the variations in the chemical processes used to create them.

To help identify the types of deterioration that occur, color photographs are frequently included. A separate chart is even included that shows full color examples of the various print processes used for 19th century paper prints. Almost one-fourth of the book is devoted to proper care, storage, and display of paper photographs. It goes beyond stating the simply effects of different levels of humidity and temperature. It includes details regarding various types of air pollutants, effects of different wavelengths of light, and specific types of plastic and paper that are suitable as storage containers.

For someone serious about identifying and providing the utmost! care to old paper photographs, this appears to be the definitive source of information. If you are primarily interested in learning about identifying all types of 19th century prints and their value as antiques, then "Collector's Guide to Early Photographs" is a better source. Finally, if your interests are more casual and you prefer a concise description of old photographs and their proper care, "An Ounce of Preservation" is a better choice.