Extraordinary Ubiquity – Examination of Photographic Print Materials

Extraordinary Ubiquity –
Examination of Photographic Print Materials

Location:

Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa, Ontario

Date:

October 1–4, 2012

Cost:

Includes coffee breaks and lunches

Early Bird Registration (before June 1, 2012)

• CAN$700 for Canadian participants (includes HST)
• CAN$875 for all others

Regular Registration (by September 11, 2012)

• CAN$800 for Canadian participants (includes HST)
• CAN$1000 for all others

Principle Instructors:

Ryan Boatright – Atelier Boba, Paris
Greg Hill – Canadian Conservation Institute

Photography was introduced in the early 19th century, and many different photographic processes have been developed since that time. Until recently, most of these were based upon the light sensitivity of metallic salts, predominantly silver halides. In the latter part of the 20th century, digital-based imaging technologies emerged and began competing with conventional photographs. Today, they dominate the market.

Photographic prints document virtually all aspects of our lives; they were produced in the tens of millions in the 19th century and in the hundreds of millions from the 20th century onwards. However, in spite of this extraordinary ubiquity of both conventional and digital photographic prints, their chemistry, technology, and long-term preservation requirements are not always fully understood by those charged with the responsibility for their care and conservation.

This 4-day workshop will help those responsible for the long-term preservation of photograph collections (e.g. archivists, curators, collection managers, and conservators) maximize their capacity to make informed decisions. Principal instructors Ryan Boatright (Atelier Boba, Paris) and Greg Hill (Canadian Conservation Institute) will use formal presentations, hands-on print viewings, and Web-based tools to introduce participants to the many different types of conventional and digital printing processes used throughout the history of photography. Process identification techniques, mechanisms of deterioration, and the factors that come into play when making decisions on storage and handling will all be examined. Participants will also have an opportunity to produce a photograph using an historic process, and will be provided with a conventional and digital print sample set.