Silver Gelatin Panoramic Photograph. Duke of Gloucester at Newtown Park - 18th December 1934.

This work was presented in its original frame with the framing label on the backing paper.
Most of my conservation work is to remove what has been added to an work in the form of backings, window matts, frames and at times framing glass that has adhered to the emulsion of photographs.
The framing in this case, although original is far from ideal but a product of its time, where the glass is pressed against the emulsion and is at risk of adhesion and damage. Also the nails used to secure the backing board have rusted and stained the primary paper support of the work.

On opening, it appears there has been some water damage and staining at the left had side of the print, causing losses of paper support and emulsion, along with surface soiling and dust from age and display in an unsealed frame.
The work has a straw board backing typical to this era of framing and once that is mechanically removed the work can be aquesously treated in reduce the water staining.

The work has a straw board backing typical to this era of framing and once that is mechanically removed the work can be aquesously treated in reduce the water staining.
After surface cleaning the work was humidified in preparation for aqueous treatment in the form of blotter washing. Washing proved successful in reducing,flushing out the staining and after six blotter and water changes the work was left to air dry.

The losses of paper support and emulsion on the left side of the work were repairs and then the work was pressed flat for a number of weeks.
We returned it to the original frame which was in keeping with the work but brought it up to archival standard. Firstly cleaned and repaired, then archival backing board and a spacer to prevent the emulsion touching the glass.