Tintypes
Object: 15 tintype photographs
Author/Creator: unknown
Date: c. 1880-1900
This collection consists of tintype portraits of Black Americans. They are approximately sixth-plate sized and feature well-dressed people in studio portrait settings. Tintypes are direct positive photographs. One side of the lacquered iron plate is coated with iodized collodion. The wet plate is then sensitized, exposed, and developed. Compared to its predecessor, the daguerreotype, tintypes were relatively inexpensive, easy, and quick to make.
The tintypes varied in stability, with many exhibiting rust and actively flaking emulsion. The focus of the treatment was stabilization and rehousing to enable handling and access. This was a group project, performed with fellow LACE student, Johanna Pinney.
Treatment Overview
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Rust reduced mechanically with a microscalpel
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Areas of lifting collodion and lacquer consolidated
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Surface cleaned with soft brushes and damp cotton swabs (DI water)
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Barrier layer applied to exposed metal