Paper and Photograph Conservation
Paper and Photograph Conservation is responsible for the preservation and conservation of rare, unique and valuable paper, photographic materials and artifacts in the Cornell University Library collections and provides the following services:
- Condition surveys and assessments
- Conservation treatment, minor (surface cleaning, humidification and flattening) and complex (stabilization of tears; reduction of discoloration)
- Exhibit and loan assessment and treatment
- Archival housing in protective enclosures; custom enclosures
- Preventive care
- Advising on safe handling and collections care
- Review and preparation for digital imaging
- Education and outreach through training of staff and interns, presenting seminars and workshops on the care of photographs and family papers, and disaster preparedness and response, and serving as a resource for the public and professional colleagues
Conservation research: Epigraphic Squeezes; Gettysburg Address; Polynesian Barkcloth
Notable projects: Barkcloth (Part I & Part II) Lincoln Portraits (Process Chart & Narrative); Witchcraft in Popular Culture; Linen Architectural Drawings; The Topography of Treatments; Papyrus (Usir-Wer's funerary text, seminar in papyrus conservation, treatment of papyrus fragments)
Contact: Michele Hamill, Head Conservator, Paper and Photograph Conservator, mh92@cornell.edu, 607-255-5766
Jill Iacchei, Senior Conservation Technician, ji49@cornell.edu, 607-255-5766
Treatment examples can be viewed here.