Paper and photograph conservation
Contact: (+61 3) 9348 5746
Paper conservators look after all paper-based items as well as photographs and parchments. This includes:
- works of art such as watercolours, drawings, prints and scrolls;
- documents and records such as letters, certificates, files and manuscripts whether on paper, parchment or vellum;
- photographs ranging from small snapshots to large artist prints;
- historic photographs including daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes and opalotypes and glass plate negatives;
- maps, plans and wallpaper.
Example of paper treatment
Roll your mouse over the print to see 'before and after' images of the treatment.
Click on the print to see a larger version.
These images show a print entitled 'Miss Smith', which had torn, and was restored by CCMC paper conservators.
Example of paper treatment
Roll your mouse over the print to see 'before and after' images of the treatment.
Click on the print to see a larger version.
Description: Lease of 60 acres of land, Field of Mars, NSW
Dated: 1796
Collection: University of Melbourne Archives
Example of paper treatment
Roll your mouse over the print to see 'before and after' images of the treatment.
Click on the print to see a larger version.
Description: Silver gelatin photograph
Collection: University of Melbourne Archives
Conservation treatments that can be done include:
- flattening to reduce cockling, buckling and creases;
- removing old backings and mounts;
- repairing tears and infilling holes;
- cleaning, washing and reducing stains;
- removing old sticky tape and reducing the adhesive stains;
- cleaning mould;
- consolidating loose paint or flaking photographs;
- remounting.
Paper conservators also carry out surveys of collections of books, works of art, photographs and archives. Following assessment of the condition of the collection and the storage and display environments, conservators can recommend what needs to be done to preserve the collection.
To arrange an initial consultation, please make an appointment with one of the paper conservators. Tel: (+61 3) 9348 5746.