Hi,

It is unclear to me whether this artifact is an actually metal
photograhic plate or a copper plate used for printing (no image
appeared in your posting).

If this is a photographic plate then you should find a photographic
conservator and consult with them. Go to the AIC web site (American
Institute for Conservation) they offer a free referral service that
you can use online - www.aic.standofrd.edu

If this is a copper plate used for printing then you will need to
consult with an objects conservator who has a deep knowledge of the
conservation of historic metals. I have vast experience in that
specialization and can refer you to others as well.

If you can send me digital images of the artifact off the list then I
would be happy to point you in the direction you should go.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California

On 5/24/07, Chris Goodlett <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Hello all!  I have received the following question about photograph
> conservation from someone here in Kentucky:
>
>  "I attached a photo of a photo print block (for lack of knowing what else
> to call it) of the oldest known photo taken in Jeffersontown.  The metal, as
> you should be able to see, is rather corroded, and the picture is much
> darker than it appeared with the flash on the camera.
>
>
> Do you know any way to safely clean up such an item?  This is an important
> part of Jeffersontown's history, but right now, the picture is so dark to
> the naked eye that it is hard to tell even what it is.  I called photograph
> restoration places in the area, and they said no one restores such items
> locally.  I don't know if there is a safe cleaner for a metal print, or if
> it's best to just leave it alone."
>
> I know it might be difficult to provide any help without seeing the
> artifact, but if any of you are knowledgeable in photo conservation, your
> help is appreciated.
>
> Chris Goodlett
> Kentucky Historical Society
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