My mother generously gave me a picture of my great-grandmother, great-grandfather and their five children. The family portrait dates from about 1915. The picture is very special to me because it is the only picture I have of my great-grandmother as a younger woman. I named my daughter in her honor.
Check around with local photographers. I know there is a woman in our area who specializes in preserving/repairing old photos. You can also get copies made, even if there is no negative of any kind. My husband made copies of their childhood family album for himself and his two sisters.
First off, I suggest having it scanned. If nothing else, you’ll have a non-degradable copy of the original. Then, if you like, you can have it professionally retouched (from the digital file, not the original).
The quickest, simplest and economical method is to use a digital camera (if you have one) to copy the old photos. If, as in your case there is only one and you have a sentimental attachment to it, it is probably worth the expense of a restoration which will be as good or better that when it was originally taken.
I work in a museum, and part of my job is tending to old photos.
What medium is the photo? Is is a snapshot-style or a portrait studio. Is the photo on any sort of backing, or inside a photography studio mount?
Where have you decided to keep it?
If you’re going to put it on display (though I sould suggest you use a copy for this) have it framed in acid-free archival materials under UV filtered glass. Hang it in the darkest corner of your room, avoiding especially any direct light (under a lightbulb or where sunlight will hit it.) Try to keep the area which it is stable in temperature and humidity.
Identify the photograph. You can gently write on the back with pencil, but never use ink. Put the subjects’ names and their relationships. I know YOU know who they are, but that information might not be correctly handed down to your great-grandchildren.
If you’re going to keep the photo in storage, put it in an acid-free paper envelope. Plastic isn’t usually a good idea unless it’s special, archival plastic, because ordinary plastics “off-gas” which can stain pictures. Don’t put it in an album unless its acid-free, and honestly, archival materials are one of those products in which you get what you paid for-- don’t go cheap or you may regret it. Put it in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. We always suggest a closet in the interior of you home (not touching outside walls) for this purpose because it tends to stay pretty stable. Do not put any mothballs or airfresheners near it.
Sadly, many photographs suffer from what we museum folk charmingly term “inherent vice” meaning that the very materials of with the photo is made are unstable, and will eventually decay no matter what you do. All you can do is try to slow the natural break-down processes. It really is best to get copies made on acid-free paper.
The photograph in question looks like a formal portrait appoximately 12" by 6". It’s set inside what appears to be a matt. The matt is missing one section on the bottom but the photograph itself is in good condition aside from a few minor marks.
We haven’t decided where the keep it yet. Where can I purchase acid free archival materials and UV filtered glass? Are these items commonly available in stores?
I’m going to take other people’s advice and have it scanned and then take a digital copy.
Archival materials aren’t terribly common to find in art or photo stores. Acid-free paper, sure, but the “real stuff” a bit scarce unless you’re at specialty shops. Chains like Michael’s probably will not have what you need.
I have no connections with this company, other than having ordered supplies from them in the past: http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com Find their Framing section for UV-filtering glass and full framing kits. The stuff’s not cheap, but compared to losing family memories forever, it’s really not expensive.
If you do decide to take the photo out of its current mat for scanning or re-framing, wear gloves so you don’t get your skin oils on it, or at least wash your hands first and be careful to handle it very lightly by the edges.
The art supply store I work at has many archival materials, although the framing-oriented stuff is ordered through our framing department, which makes it a little more expensive. We carry Lineco stuff, including acid-free glassine and tissue, and also archival boxes.
Can the photo be removed from the mat without damaging it? (If it’s glued on, best to leave it alone.) If you can take it off, it would be best, because it’s likely acidic.
My museum buys a lot of products from this company. They’re reasonable with their prices, and the stuff is of good quality.
Your local framing store might offer these types of products-- they should carry UV glass; my local shop does.