I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who has had experience of restoring the backing cards to Cartes de Visite.
I have a Victorian family album, just given to me, containing some 80 or so CdV's, all or most of which have delaminated, (as as the album, page by page), and the photo paper stock has also come away from the CdV card. This means that I can attempt to repair the cards, let them totally dry, them re-stick the photo to them.
My problem is that I've no idea what adhesive to use, although I suspect a watered down paste, something like the old Gloy brand, might do, but need to be sure it won't adversely affect the photo when that is re-attached. I'd propose to use a large flower press to keep the card flat while drying.
I would normally attempt this, but they are family photos, and really would like to preserve them intact if at all possible.
Any help out there please.
Comments
Thanks for your comments Ioannis.
Most, if not all of the photos are albumen prints, on typically thin paper. The card condition as I have already said is very poor and de-laminated. The photos have also for the most part almost totally separated from the cards, meaning that I can attempt the re-glueing of the card stock, and the subsequent total drying of it, before any attempt to re attach the photos.
It's the adhesives in use around the early to mid 1860's that I'm having great difficulty in accurately identifying.
Regards,
Les
Dear Les,
There are a number of things that you need to consider before you process with any attempt to re-attach the photographs to the card. Identification of the process, thickness of the photographic paper, condition of the card are some of them. This will help you choose the suitable adhesive with the right viscosity.
I would suggest you to contact a photograph conservator to get some advice or help towards that.
Best,
Ioannis