Contributions to the 7th AICCM Book, Paper and Photographic Materials Symposium
29g31 August 2012 Brisbane, Australia
Abstract
The conservation treatment of photographic albums dating to the nineteenth century has been examined in the past in various workshops, publications and conservation articles. The focus of this paper is two unique photographic albums with rare pictures from the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, compiled by the photographer Ioannis Lampakis. Lampakis is now recognised for his pioneering depiction of movement and action, despite the technical limitations of his era, and these two albums are acknowledged for their aesthetic and stylistic value. This paper provides a useful case study, which will discuss the rationale for two different treatment approaches to two almost identical photographic albums, made at the same time, in the same way, with the same pictures, kept in the same place, and experiencing a similar flood history. Prior to treatment, the following significant factors are considered: the value, rarity, quality and condition of the albums and prints, the owner’s will, and the expected future use.Two different conservation strategies were devised for these albums, which ensured improved preservation and access for both.