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Preserving Photographic Materials

Upcoming course information

Dates 23 July 2025
Time 9am to 5pm
Cost $400
($300 UC student)
Delivery Face to face
Commitment 1 days
Enrolments Open To apply, please submit an EOI to: FADAdmin@canberra.edu.au.

This course will introduce the theory and practice of the preservation and conservation of historic photographic materials. Topics covered will include the identification of a wide range of photographic process types from Daguerreotypes to Digital, and participants will get hands-on with real examples of as many processes as possible. The emphasis of the course will be on understanding photographic materials from a chemical and technological point of view, and on the preservation of photographic collections. We will also practise some simple conservation treatment methods if time allows.

This is a one-day course, which follows directly after Part One and Part Two of the Preserving Paper Collections Short Course, should participants be interested in attending both courses.

To apply, please submit an Expression of Interest with your details and which course you would like to apply for to: FADAdmin@canberra.edu.au

Upgrade your qualification: Related courses of interest

This course gives an introduction to a broad field that has applications in libraries, archives, museums and galleries.

Who should apply for this course

Anyone with an interest in the preservation of historic photographic collections.

Learning outcomes

  • Develop a basic understanding of the variety of photographic images including black and white, colour and some digital materials on paper, metal, plastic and glass supports.
  • Receive an introduction to photographic conservation practice including surface cleaning, removing from albums, and storage.

Course presenters

Learn from industry experts

Prue McKay

Paper and Photograph Conservator

Prue has been a conservator for nearly 25 years, specialising first in paper and then undertaking ongoing training in photograph conservation both in the UK and Australia. She has worked at the National Archives of Australia, AIATSIS, and in private practice, and has provided training to students at CIT, to UC students in internships at the NAA, and to professional colleagues.

Course structure

  1. History and technology of photographs. This session will introduce participants to the science behind photographic images and their materiality.
  2. Identifying photographic processes. Here participants will be introduced to a wide range of photographic process types. They will be able to see, touch and examine all of the process types from an extensive study collection.
  3. Surface cleaning, when you might attempt it and what you can expect to achieve. (If time allows)
  4. Removing photographs from self-adhesive albums; ideas for safe storage. (If time allows)

Ready to apply?

Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Apply today and study your way.

To apply, please submit an Expression of Interest with your details and which course you would like to apply for to: FADAdmin@canberra.edu.au

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