Family photographs come from the most random of places! Going through old boxes, passed around by your grandparents or even downloaded from online websites!
Preserving old family photographs is essential for maintaining your family’s history and ensuring future generations can cherish these visual memories. However, due to certain circumstances, these photos may get damaged or harmed before your future family members will be able to see them. Thankfully, these easy steps will help ensure these photos are protected to the best of your ability!
Handle your memories with care
Old photos are delicate so handle photographs with care. Always wash and dry your hands before touching them to prevent oils and dirt from causing damage. Consider wearing clean, white cotton gloves for added protection, and handle photos by their edge to prevent bending or creasing.
Make sure that before you store your photographs, they are gently cleaned by removing surface dust with a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as these can cause irreversible damage. For torn or deteriorating photos, consult a professional conservator to ensure proper restoration.
Modern Digitalisation
Digitising your collection is a great way to preserve images and share them easily. You can use a range of tools, but a high-resolution scanner is beneficial, you should be aiming for at least 600 DPI, to capture small, fine details. It is wise to store digital copies on multiple platforms, such as external hard drives and cloud storage, to safeguard against loss.
Effective Storage
When storing physical photographs, it is crucial to choose materials specifically designed to prevent chemical and physical damage over time. Acid-free, lignin-free paper folders or sleeves are among the best options for protecting old photos. These materials prevent acid buildup, which can cause yellowing, brittleness and degradation of both black and white and coloured photographs. Lignin, a natural component in wood pulp, ensures that the material will not break down into harmful acids as it ages.
Maintaining an optimal storage environment is crucial. Keep your photos in a stable environment with temperatures below 24 degrees Celsius and relative humidity between 30-50%. Avoid exposing them to light, as this causes fading. If the photographs are displayed, use UV-filtering glass and keep them away from direct sunlight. When choosing a storage location, avoid basements, attics, or garages, where environmental conditions can fluctuate. Interior closets or climate-controlled rooms are ideal.
Key Organisation
To keep your collection organised, label your photos clearly with names, dates, and locations. Use a soft pencil on the back of the photos or on their storage enclosures. Avoid using sticky notes or adhesive labels directly on photographs; they can leave residues or cause damage.
Finally, make regular maintenance a habit. Inspect your photo collection annually to ensure they remain in good condition and address any emerging issues promptly. Also, update and verify your digital backups regularly to ensure long-term accessibility. By following these steps, you can preserve your family’s photographic heritage and allow future generations to connect with their ancestry through these invaluable images. If you need any specific help dating photographs don’t be afraid to get in touch via our website https://family-wise.co.uk/contact/
