circa 1890 photographes

[FMP]

What would be the best and/or proper way to remove a photograph, circa 1890, adhered in part to the glass?

[Bogframe]

I'll probably get a lot of flack for this, but I personally wouldnt even try. The most I would do is a high-res scan of the image, and then either frame a copy made from the scan and give back the original, or frame the origial and give them a copy made from the scan

[Ted]

I'm afraid that I would have to agree with Seth. I have had a few pieces like this come to me and I have responded the same way. Scanning or copy work have been what I have done as well.

If there is someone out there that has a solution to this problem, it looks like there are a few of us who would love to know. graemlins/shrug.gif

Ted

[ArtLady]

I believe that a check of the archives will reveal that this subject has been addressed several times, with many responses. I think anyone who checks it will find it interesting.

[Kit]

You get no flak here, Boggy. I know folks on the Grumble have reported methods of removing stuck photos from glass but I've never had any success when I've attempted it. I recommend a local photographer to customers who have stuck-down photographs. He scans them through the glass and the results are great: customers have a framable piece with no further damage to the original.

Kit

[EllenAtHowards]

I made some nice money one time with this problem. Customer had her parents' wedding picture, purposely (as near as I can tell)adhered to half-inch beveled glass. It was the only copy in existence. I took it to a clever photo studio, where they figured out how to make a copy neg. I only charged the customer what they charged me, but she had 4 copies made for her four siblings, framed beautifully of course for Christmas presents... I made about $750 (not bad bucks in those years... am I getting old, or what? Having to explain to you that money went further in the Olden Days) Everyone should have a clever photo studio contact. graemlins/shutup.gif (I like this blue guy... he looks like he has braces, and so do I)...

[katman]

We have never found a good solution for this common problem. Usually we do the scan through the glass or make a copy neg, again shooting through the glass. In a few instances we have had success ( after the customer acknowledges the risks) removing stuck, but only slightly damaged prints, by soaking in distilled water until print "floats" off the glass. If you can easily see that the emulsion is already tearing away from the paper backing I would not recommend soaking be attempted.

[AnneL]

Before attempting anything, you need to determine what kind of photograph it is. In the 1890's there were alot of different photographic techniques being used and each one will react differently to anything you try to do. Which is why Seth's advice is probably the best. Have it copied and leave the original alone!