M.S.I.S Candidate, University of Texas-Austin, School of Information
C.A.S. Conservation Candidate, Kilgarlin Center for Preservation of the Cultural Record
After Treatment
During Treatment
Treatment Information
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Date: 9/4/06 Temporary ID: 06-62.01, 06-62.02
Examined by: Elizabeth Bittner
Conservator: Fletcher Durant
Identification of Artifact
Owner/Custodian: Center for American History
Address: Sid Richardson Hall 2.101
1 University Station D1100
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712-0335
Curator/Contact: Brenda Gunn
Title: Two panoramic photographic prints from Peterson-Townsend Family Papers
Creator: Unknown
Date of Production: [1941]
Place of Production: [Fort Bliss, TX]
Approximate Dimensions: 68cm x 24.4cm (26”x10”)
Authorization
The undersigned requests and authorizes the Kilgarlin Center University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX, to undertake conservation treatment of the artifact described in the attached Condition Report according to the procedures outlined in the appended Treatment Proposal. In the event the Owner/Custodian authorizes the Kilgarlin Center to proceed with the treatment recommended in the proposal such authorization shall be deemed to include acceptance by the depositor of the terms and conditions appearing in the original Authorization for Examination and Treatment.
Signature of Responsible Officer
For Owner/Custodian:
Date:
Treatment Objectives
To reduce curling of the photographic prints to facilitate use and storage.
Description
General
(68cm x 24.4cm)
The primary support for both prints is a white, heavy-weight photographic paper with a semi-gloss or satin surface. The photographic images were created in black and white tones using the silver gelatin process. There is a thin white border around the edges of each photograph. Each photograph has an embossed “Griffiths” logo near the lower left corner.
Condition
General
Overall, the photographic prints are in fair condition. Both prints have been rolled emulsion side out and then compressed into somewhat triangular shapes measuring 9-10 centimeters on each side. Only about 1/3 of the total length of the prints was during the initial examination due to the rolled condition of the prints.
Detailed Condition of #06-62.1 (group close-up)
There is an area of blue-gray soiling near the upper left corner and several isolated areas of brown soiling and accretions. There is a brown vertical oblong shaped yellow stain 5.5 cm long 7 centimeters in from the left side. The entire visible area of the print exhibits a yellow discoloration that deepens nearer to the left edge. There is a 3.5 cm long horizontal crack in the emulsion approximately 1 cm in from the left edge and multiple vertical cracks in the emulsion approximately 9 centimeters in from the left edge the longest of which is 12.5 centimeters long. There appear to be several more cracks in the emulsion in the rolled, non-visible portion of the photograph (the tops of these cracks are visible when looking down into the roll). Several portions of the upper edge have been abraded. There is moderate mirroring visible under angled light in the dark areas of the visible portion of the photograph.
Detailed Condition of #06-62.02 (group from a distance)
The print has a few small isolated areas of brown-gray soiling and accretions in visible areas on both the recto and verso. There is a faint vertical line of yellow discoloration 2.75 in from the right edge. There are two small tears (1 cm/.5 cm) near the upper right corner. There is a 1.5 cm long vertical crack in the emulsion that is 13.5 cm in from the right edge. There is a semicircular bend close to the lower left corner of the photograph. The entire exposed area of the photograph has a yellow-green tint. There is no mirroring evident in the visible portion of the photograph.
Photodocumentation
Digital images were taken before treatment in ambient, raking, and transmitted light. The photographs include both overall and detailed shots.
Treatment Proposal
- Humidify and flatten (30 min.)
- Rehouse (20 min.)
Estimated Treatment Time: 50 min.
Possible Effects of Treatment
The introduction of moisture to the photographs will soften the emulsion layers, potentially allowing for a change in surface texture during flattening and drying. The emulsion could further crack upon unrolling if not humidified sufficiently. Additionally, any media present that could not be tested during examination could bleed or transfer when exposed to humidity.
Treatment Notes
The items were allowed to sit in the humidity chamber for an hour before gentle unrolling was begun. The items were incrementally unrolled over a period of 2 hours, allowing for 30 minutes between each manipulation. The unrolled items were then allowed to humidify for an additional hour before flattening. Graphite notations were found on the back of each image upon flattening. After flattening, the emulsion layer appears unchanged.
Treatment Performed
- Humidify items in a humidity chamber (4 hours)
- Dry between felts (15 min.)
- Consolidate cracked emulsion (1.5 hours)
- House in oversize folder (15 min.)
Total Treatment Time: 6 hours