Vault to Wall: Daguerreotype

[@julierozennb.3128]

Passionnant… Thanks for sharing and thanks for preserving history and art

[@davestelling]

Marvelous work, thank goodness these images are being preserved...

[@TheStockwell]

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! 😸

[@lamylove]

What's the specific name of the silver tape?

[@lynncanada1915]

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?

[@williamjones4716]

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.

[@natashakung7438]

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.

[@gerryyaum]

When you remove the protective glass from a Daguerreotype and expose it to air, are you not allowing the image to degrade?

[@greggmcneill7407]

If removed from the case, isn't there a risk of further oxidation of the Daguerreotype?

[@TheStockwell]

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.

[@williamjones4716]

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.

[@SilhSe]

First 🥇

[@TheStockwell]

The whole "First" business is a pathetic and repulsive way to define yourself. Your family has my deepest sympathy. 😿

[@SilhSe]

@@TheStockwell Cheer Up my friend, have fun ! lets drink 🍻🥃 I hope you're old enough 😎

[@TheStockwell]

@@SilhSe Cheer up? I've been a happy bundle of mirth since the day I was born - and I've been enjoying Jack Daniel's and Monkey 47 for years. My life - is *good! * 😸