This is a quick guide to selected reference resources for processing photographic collections. As of now, resources are limited to online format; however, please feel free to contact the library about locating print materials.
Major Institutions/Organizations
The following are prominent institutions/organizations in photographic preservation and conservation, providing significant research, publications and tools for managing photographic collections. Notable resources will be mentioned in this guide, but not all. Further investigation into these sites is recommended.
Image Permanence Institute: recognized leader in the development of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property through a program of research, education, products, and services.
Northeast Document Conservation Center: non-profit conservation center devoted to the conservation and preservation of paper-based materials by providing laboratory and digital services; making available workshops, publications, and web tools; providing disaster response and emergency assistance; and developing model programs and preservation strategies.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: plays a role in establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities and encouraging the exchange of information among conservators and other professionals.
National Archives: government site providing "expert yet practical" advise on photographic preservation.
Getty Conservation Institute: dedicated to furthering knowledge and advancing the understanding of visual arts through its expertise, collecting program, institutional collaborations, exhibitions, and publications.
History
Ted's Photographics: site that provides a concise history of photography, a list of notable photographers by name and decade, and insight into the science behind producing an image.
British Photography History: provides information and discussion on all aspects of British photographic history including museums news, exhibitions and publications.
Identification
Graphic Atlas: tool developed by IPI for the identification and characterization of photographs.
"Photographic Processes:" webpage by the Victoria and Albert Museum with explanations and examples of photographic processes
Conservation
Photographic Materials Wiki: catalog of conservation treatment and procedures maintained by AIC's Photographic Materials Group.
Conserve-O-Grams on Photography: produced by the National Park Service. Topics include "Caring for Photographs: General Guidelines," "Caring for Color Photographs," "Caring for blueprints and cyanotypes," and "Storage enclosures for photographic prints and negatives." Note: cannot be accessed as of now due to the government shutdown.
"Caring for Your Treasures: Photographs:" AIC's resource center for the care and handling of photographs. Also, provides help with finding a conservator if needed.
Preservation
"Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Paper and Media Collections:" online course provided by NDCC that covers the preservation of paper collections and related formats. Learn to identify deteriorated materials, how to properly care for collections and how to set priorities for preservation. Leaflets also provided ("Preservation Leaflets: Photography") with information on variety of topics with links to additional resources.
"Preservation Advisory Centre: Photographic Material:" booklet provided by the British Library identifying best practice in storage, care and handling of photographic materials. Lists additional resources for further research.
Dew Point Calculation: tool developed by IPI for calculating the best combination of temperature and relative humidity for long-term preservation of collection materials.
Digital Print Preservation Portal: site developed by IPI to provide information, skills and tolls needed to care for digitally printed collections, including technology, identification, deterioration, and preservation.
Digitzation
"Guidelines for Electronic Preservation of Visual Materials:" research publication by the library of Congress on how best to perform a digital image capture of preservation quality.
Price Indexes/Auction Houses
Art Sales Index: provides access to over 3.5 million entries for fine art sold at auction. Includes current coverage of many auction houses and historical coverage of Christie's London and Sotheby's London. Registration required.
Artfact: provides access to auction information on over 4 million items sold from more than 250 major auction houses. Registration required.
Bonham's: privately owned auction house holding two sales each year of fine photography.
Gordon's Photography Price Annual: covers auctions and dealer sales for photographs of all styles and periods. Subscription required, please contact the library for purchase.
Photographic Exhibitions in Britain 1839-1865: research database containing records from over 20,000 exhibition catalogues published from 1839-1865. Information is listed by exhibition, photographer, process and price.
Publications/Blogs/Databases
Aperture: a not-for-profit foundation connecting the photo community and audiences with inspiring work and latest ideas. Includes a blog and photo book reviews. Subscription to Aperture magazine required, please contact the library for purchase.
Conservation Perspective: the Getty's journal featuring articles and discussions on areas of conservation practice. Spring 2012 and Spring 2002 newsletters feature photographic preservation.
"F-Stop: Links:" List of photography magazines, blogs and organizations.
Gawain Weaver Art Conservation: art conservator providing treatment and services for museums, galleries, collectors, historical societies and libraries. Good blog on art conservation and great links to additional resources, including a bibliography.
Earth-Sea Imagery: blog with numerous tutorials on photography, photoshop, photo restoration and preservation.
Article and Research Databases: list of databases subscribed to by the Getty. Most are available remotely; however, some databases can only be accessed onsite. Useful subject databases: art and architecture, art sales and collecting.
Community/Listservs
Photographic Materials Group: specialty group within AIC of photographic preservation professionals offering scholarly resources, annual meetings, workshops and listserv.
Notes on Photographs: tool developed by the George Eastman House as a forum for gathering information that enhances the understanding of the photographic print
"Several Photography & Image-Orientated Mailing Lists on the Internet:" list developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology of about 50 listservs related to photography and imaging
Other Museums: what are they doing?
Victoria and Albert Museum: photography homepage contains links into interesting articles about various topics, including history, contemporary practice in the field, and events. Also includes a bibliography for the study of photography.
History of Photography Archive: site with a great collection of 19th century photographs and links to other photo archives and photo dealers.
International Center of Photography: institution dedicated to the practice and understanding of photography as a museum, school and research center.
National Media Museum: collection comprises the Daily Herald Archive, the Royal Photographic Society Collection, and the Kodak Museum Collection. Great blog and fact sheets with topics such as "How to date your Victorian photographs."
British Library-Online Exhibitions: online gallery divided into 8 major "points of view" in 19th century photography.
Luminous Lint: site contains a number of online exhibitions curated by collectors, galleries, museums and photographers. Many relate to major themes of 19th century photography.
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