Vault to Wall: Daguerreotype
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- čas přidán 2. 10. 2022
- What happens after an object is selected to be exhibited in the Collection Gallery? The process shown in this video is an overview of what goes into bringing an object from storage to display.
First, a curator chooses an object and retrieves it from the vault. The curator examines the object and confirms or adjusts its cataloging information in the museum’s collections database: title, date, medium, dimensions, and inscriptions.
In the conservation lab, conservators examine and record the object’s condition to determine whether any treatment is needed. For this daguerreotype, the cover glass is cleaned, the daguerreotype package rebound with materials appropriate for long-term preservation, and the hinges of the case mended. Because daguerreotypes are viewed behind cover glass, the conservator takes advantage of the opportunity to photograph the bare plate, examine it, and document any further condition notes.
In order to properly display this object, preparators create a mount to support it in an open position using an angle that will also enhance the viewing experience.The mount is created from a sheet of thermoplastic polyester, which is cut and then heated to create bends. When it is time for installation, preparators carefully place the object within the case, along with text that has been researched and written by the curator.
By taking these steps, we ensure every work that will be on display is documented, protected, interpreted, and prepared for you to see in the gallery.
Marvelous work, thank goodness these images are being preserved...
Passionnant… Thanks for sharing and thanks for preserving history and art
Is Mr. Nick Brandreth narrating this interesting video? If so, he's on the fast track to becoming the David Attenborough of 1800s photographic processes! 😸
What's the specific name of the silver tape?
When you remove the protective glass from a Daguerreotype and expose it to air, are you not allowing the image to degrade?
What has the museum found to be the frequency to check the photos' condition? For example, the one used as illustration will need a check for condition again approx. when?
I'm surprised they are not using a laboratory laminar flow hood to perform several of these steps to prevent any airborne particulate matter from being attracted to and contaminating the plate.
Hi William. Thanks for your comment. Whenever conservators make the difficult decision to open a daguerreotype package, we work carefully in an air filtrated lab with time in mind. We want to limit the amount of exposure that the bare plate has with the environment during which the risk for physical and chemical damage increases. Throughout the treatment, the plate was kept in a temporary storage box made of conservation-grade materials as much as possible and was only handled when necessary. In addition, an ionizer was used during binding that provided a low flow of bipolar ions to neutralize any static charge and prevent dust or particulates from landing on the surface. The cleaned cover glass and aluminum carrier tape used to bind the package were both improvements made to the package that would limit any exchange of air or moisture and help secure the delicate photograph in a safe housing going forward.
If removed from the case, isn't there a risk of further oxidation of the Daguerreotype?
For short durations in what I assume to be the climate-controlled conditions seen in this room, I suspect not. The enemy of photographic processes is *prolonged* exposure to harmful conditions.
Oxidation is not the issue, sulfur dioxide is. Since there are no coal burning stoves or gunpowder in the vicinity the chemical issues that confronted Dags in their heyday do not attach.
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