APPROACHES TO THE CONSERVATION OF DAGUERREOTYPES

Abstract

Daguerreotypes as a material are unique, While the image is created on a silver plate they cannot be treated like normal silverware nor can they be treated like other photographic material. There have been a series of attempts both historically and in more recent times which aims to develop a method for cleaning tarnish on daguerreotypes. In past decades the field of conservation has seen rapid change. Practices used in the conservation of photographs are based on the same fundaments as all conservation, the principle of minimal intervention and. a focus on stabilization of the current condition and to slow down the deterioration process. This thesis aims to investigate these different approaches and methods used in conservation of daguerreotypes. The research is conducted through the use of literary studies and case studies. The study found that the is currently no method which can be recommended for use indiscriminately while several show promise and could be justified in some cases, but more research will need to be conducted before they can be considered safe.