What is photorestoration?   

Max Schreck (as Nosferatu), Filmarchiv Gerhard Lamprecht Berlin. Deutsche Kinemathek Nr. F4595 – 24 (8). Silver mirroring, post-state.

Max Schreck (as Nosferatu), Filmarchiv Gerhard Lamprecht Berlin. Deutsche Kinemathek Nr. F4595 – 24 (8). Silver mirroring, pre-state.

Conservation means preserving the present condition of the photographs, not interfering with the object itself. This is important for the preservation of entire collections or in the preparation of photo exhibitions where climate and lighting conditions are adapted to the special requirements of the various photographic techniques. In order to protect the collection*s, archival materials that are secure in the long term and that are certified according to strict PAT (Photographic Activity Test) procedure are used.

Digitization of photographic collections

Hannes Meyer, Bauhaus director 1928-1930. Album 15 Mentone, 1927. Positive from scanned negative

We digitize photographic collections under museological norms, both in high resolution for their conservation, and in low resolution for multimedia viewing. This acquires important relevance in color materials – prints type “C”, negatives or slides – because their emulsions are composed of organic colorants that fade out in very short times. When restoring color, while preserving the vintage color palette, special care is taken not to over-restore both saturation and tonal range.