How to Care for Old Photographic Collections at Home (Australia Edition)

Preserving your old family photographs is part and parcel of preserving Australia's unique cultural heritage, family histories, and artistic legacies. Maybe you’re preparing for the holiday season, moving house or gearing up for the yearly spring clean - this is your sign to finally get to the box of old photos and albums tucked away in a corner.

Old photographs may seem very resilient, but their chemical composition and inherent instability makes them a complicated preservation project. The following photo preservation guide is tailored for the Australian context:

1. Handling

• Use clean, dry hands or powder-free nitrile gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging photos.

• Always support photographs with both hands or a rigid surface to prevent bending or creasing.

• Limit direct contact by handling prints and negatives by their edges.

2. Storage

• In Australia's varying climates, aim for storage areas that are cool, dry, and dark. Ideal conditions are below 20°C with low humidity.

• Avoid storing photographic collections in garages and sheds as they are prone to extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity, risking mold growth and degradation.

• Store photographs in acid-free envelopes, boxes, or polyester sleeves. Ensure the storage materials are marked “photo-safe” or “archival standard”.

• Take care when storing large prints, ensuring they are stored flat without bending and proper weight distribution to prevent damage.

• Check on your collections and dust storage areas periodically, especially in rural or coastal regions prone to airborne pollutants and salt air.

3. Protection Against Light

• Australia’s intense sunlight poses a significant risk to photographic prints that are often prone to fading. Keep photographs away from windows or any direct light sources.

• When displaying photos, use UV-filtering glass to reduce exposure to harmful rays.

4. Albums and Framing

• Magnetic and self adhesive albums can damage photographs over time. Use albums with acid-free pages.

• If you’re framing an original photograph, use archival matting and framing: Choose an archival quality framer that uses acid-free, unbuffered mat boards and UV-filtering glass.
  

5. Insect and Mold Prevention

• Australia's warm climate can attract insects like silverfish. Store photographs in sealed, pest-proof containers.

• Store collections in areas of the house with low humidity to prevent mold growth on photographs. Inspect collections regularly for mold. If found, isolate the affected items and consult a conservator.

5. Damage and Loss

• If photographs are torn or otherwise damaged, do not attempt to repair at home using adhesive tapes or glue, which can accelerate deterioration. Consult professional conservators in your local region for advise or treatment.

• Scan and digitise your photographic collection using high-resolution scanners and archival services. This reduces handling of originals and creates digital backups for Australia's bushfire and flood-prone regions.

  By adopting these practices, you can preserve your photographic collection for future generations while safeguarding against the challenges of Australia’s climate and environment. For significant or culturally valuable collections, consult a professional conservator.

  
  For further resources, visit Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) or the National Archives of Australia Preservation Guide.