Hi Kim,

If these photographs are of value to this gentleman, he might consider
investing in proper care; however, there are 'home methods' which have spotty
results.  One method I tried a few years back - with an old, blurred, and
overexposed photographic print - is described well by John Bye, an archivist
at the Institute for Regional Studies (North Dakota State University):

"Never attempt to unroll tightly curled up photographs or documents by hand.
Very likely you will crack the item in two or more pieces or crack the
emulsion in the photograph.  What you can do is to introduce high humidity for
a short time so the items absorbs a lot of moisture and the paper fibers
become relaxed and the document uncurls by itself.  To do this, take a clean,
plastic garbage pail or other container and place a 1-2 inches of clean, cool
water in the bottom.  Then place your photos or documents in another such
container that is small than the first.  Place this smaller container into the
larger one, making sure it cannot tip over or that any water comes into
contact with the items.  Cover the larger container and keep in there no more
than 24 hours.  Best to do this when the air is dry such as in winter time.
Check periodically to make sure no mold is growing.  You will notice that the
item will begin to unroll by itself.  Take it out of the container and gently
unroll, place blotter or acid-free paper on top, with heavy weights on top of
the paper.  If paper gets wet, replace.  Let the item be kept under weights
for as long as you can let it, or until relatively flat.   Always have paper
covering the surface of the item, between the item and any weights or the
bottom of the work table."
[Source: http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajohnso/preservation.htm]

Best wishes, sincerely,

Jay Heuman, Curator of Education
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art
650 N. 1100 E. / UMC 4020
Logan, Utah   84322-4020
t  435 797 0165
f  435 797 3423
e  [log in to unmask]
www.artmuseum.usu.edu

Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.
Sir Claus Moser (b. 1922)

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