Abstract
A scientific approach to the conservation of printed photos.
Prof.Enrico Ciliberto1, Prof. Mona Fouad2
1 Catania University
2 Cairo University
Photograph conservation is a relatively new field triggered by the increasing awareness of the value of photographic records as powerful documentary tools. Egypt and Italy as countries well known for their unique treasures attracted many pioneer photographers; and therefore, they own numerous valuable and rare photographic records in many forms.
Photographs in general are composite objects with complex chemical and physical nature. As a result, photographs are highly prone to damage by a number of deterioration factors which exist in their surrounding environment (i.e. atmospheric pollution, temperature, relative humidity, light and irradiation, and biological threats).
At improper levels or fluctuations in the levels of each of these factors, photographs that are either displayed or kept in storage can undergo varying degrees of deterioration and/or degradation. A devastating effect might be expected by the action of a combination of any two of these agents. Discoloration, fading, and staining are among the most common forms of decay noticed in photographic collections. Forms originated from improper handling include emulsion cracking, tears, and abrasion.
Therefore,the Projects for the exchange of researchers within the Executive Programme of Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Arab Republic of Egypt and Italian Republic for the years 2013 – 2015 aims at:
Making a survey on the different forms of damage found in photographic collections housed in different locations and conditions;
Employing scientific analytical and examination techniques to better understand the nature of photographs and their deterioration.
Evaluation of accelerated ageing techniques applied on new photographic samples.
Testing new conservation methods involving nanotechnology to be used in cleaning, deacidification and consolidation of photographic prints.
Using digital restoration.
Organizing training courses for collectors, archivists and restorers to help raise their awareness on the importance of photographic records and how to preserve them.
