A Review of Lining Methods for Paper-based Photographic Prints from the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

Abstract

A photograph may be lined when its physical condition is so poor that an additional support is necessary to ensure its survival. Photographic prints may comprise a number of layers, often composed of dissimilar materials that react differently to moisture. As most traditional lining methods involve the use of water, lining can thus cause stresses within and between the various layers. These stresses are thought to exhibit as increased cracking of binder layers and increased curling of the photograph itself. This paper reviews the literature to date regarding the lining of photographs and examines possible future treatment pathways. From the literature, it would appear that the question of how best to line traditional photographic formats, such as albumen, collodion and silver gelatin prints, has not yet been answered. Standard water-based lining adhesives can cause damage to various types of traditional photographs. Heat and solvent-activated adhesives can also cause damage; however, they may allow better control over the physical changes that occur within some types of photographs during treatment. Further investigation of non-traditional adhesives for paper (e.g. waxes and synthetic polymers) is recommended.