Course outline:

This seven week Certificated course will comprise an intensive theory and practical workshop, for conservators and conservation students, aimed at introducing and developing knowledge and skills in the preservation, conservation and restoration treatment of photographic materials.

Strong emphasis will be placed upon the complex nature of photographic processes/images/materials, their development, specific and related conservation problems, their treatment, storage and exhibitioning and the ethics involved in determining and formulating practical, safe, conservation procedures.

The course will also include practical demonstrations, specific work studies, illustrated lectures, discussion periods, and an exhibition of photographic conservation and research work undertaken by The Centre. As part of the practical course work participants will also undertake two short research projects to complement and enhance the practical work studies.

Throughout the course participants will produce reference images and study materials which compliment the course Handbook, notes and documentation.

Course participants will also have the opportunity to visit, with the course tutors, The Fox Talbot Museum and Lacock Abbey, The Royal Photographic Society, the Cannon Gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the The Photographers Gallery, and other centres of interest which will give them unique opportunities to examine 19th and 20th Century historic photographic images and materials.

Course participants may bring their own Laptop computers but limited computer facilities are available to undertake course notes, documentation and research projects.

The Centre's Certificate is only awarded to participants who meet the required standard of work.

Areas covered include:

Preservation and Conservation techniques for:


Glass plate and sheet film, negative and positive materials
Cased and framed photographic images
Paper based photographic images
Albums and photographically illustrated books

Other related topics will include:

Photographic prehistory and early historic processes
Chemistry of photographic processes
Causes of degradation of photographic materials
Identification of photographic processes
Surveying photographic collections
Storage and exhibition requirements, methods and materials
Ethics and research

Participants should supply their own basic conservation hand tools and may bring their own problematic material for discussion.

Suggested hand tools: shears, scalpels, dividers, needles, straightedge, bone folders, small and large sable, squirrel and hog hair brushes, large apron or overall and surgical gloves. Note taking materials or computer will be required. Please ensure that all personal articles and tools are clearly marked with your name.

Because of the high level of attainment expected from participants and the limited number of places available we can offer this course only to photographic, paper, prints and drawings conservators or conservation students.

Course tutors: Ian Moor and Angela Moor

Course Fee: £2,600.00

Course outline:

Throughout this five-day intensive course, which is aimed at heritage professionals with the care and responsibility for photographic collections, strong emphasis will be placed upon the complex nature of photographic processes/images/materials, the identification of the major processes, specific and related conservation problems, preservation and conservation policies for photographs, preventive measures and treatment options, medium-term and extended-term storage criteria, image management including handling, exhibition, copying and digital imaging and the ethics involved in determining and formulating practical, safe, preservation and conservation procedures.

Class sizes are small allowing participants ample opportunity to address specific problems. Participants will receive a course Handbook containing information appertaining to the course work. The course will also include illustrated lectures, discussion periods, and an exhibition of photographic conservation and research work undertaken by The Centre. Reference photographs may be taken throughout the course. Sessions may not be recorded.

Course tutors: Ian Moor and Angela Moor