AICCM Symposium 2006, Conservation of Paper, Books and Photographic Materials. Post-prints and Posters. 19-21 April 2006, Wellington, New Zealand. p194-208
Abstract
A collection of about 2,100 autochromes belonging to the Albertina Museum was surveyed. This collection was formerly part of the Collection Eder at the Hhere Graphische Bundeslehr- und Versuchsanstalt (Training and Research Institute for Photography and Reproduction Processes), Vienna, Austria. Based on their condition, the autochromes were classified into several groups. The most severe damage identified was partial or complete delamination of the photographic emulsion from the glass support. A method for readhering the delaminated emulsion to the glass was developed. It involved the local application of xylene to the glass support, which softened the emulsion and allowed it to readhere to the glass. The image quality was not impaired by this treatment, and the physical stability of the photographs was significantly enhanced. The treatment was tested on original photographs, and preventive conservation measures developed for the rest of the collection.