"History is disappearing and so are photographs. We now live in a digital age where we will likely be without photographic record from this current time period. It is critical that we begin to salvage what still exists and preserve it. Historical photographs are being discarded, and poorly stored. Putting this work in the hands of someone who can preserve these captured moments, is a service for the generations to come. I encourage anyone with historical photographic works, to seek out someone with experience to help you keep history alive and properly archive your collection. " Terri Cappucci
To see more of this glass plate collection, go to the website "Somebody Photographed This"
Glass Plate Negatives
Glass plate negatives are a flat piece of glass with a light sensitive emulsion that holds the negative image. This process was used between 1850 through the 1920's. Some photographers still used the process for their photography, but film became the widely used medium for making photographs. Having the skills to able to clean, preserve, digitize and archive any glass plate image from this time period, is a privilege. If you have a collection of glass plates and you don't know what to do with them, please email me at phototc@comcast.net . I would love to speak with you.
Current preservation project is a 4000 glass plate collection with images dating back to 1880's. Unknown photographers at this time, but research is under way to see what we can identify from a few names showing up in the paperwork. In the meantime, they are currently being placed in quality categories for damage. Next step will be to clean, preserve, digitize and archive. Below are some images of what this collection came in looking like. It is a technically time consuming process, especially if there needs to be any plate restoration work. Many of these images will be featured with "Somebody Photographed This" and can be followed on facebook, Instagram or the website for the project.
This collection is a treasure trove full of beautiful, historical photos from more that a century ago.
