In “Photographs Look Even Better With 200 Years of Decay,” Ashley Feinberg writes on Gizmodo about the decay of photographs, negatives, and photographic plates in the Library of Congress.
While slightly satirical, the artistic quality of the images created by their degradation is actually beautiful compared to the basic portraits they once were. Still, it is a sad commentary on the Library of Congress’s ability to preserve what is nearly unpreservable.
The early photography methods, from Mathew Brady’s 19th century daguerreotypes and glass plates to Kodachrome of the 1950s-1970s, all deteriorate with exposure to light, humidity, and temperature fluctuation.
Look at your own collection of historical images. Consider preserving them better for your future descendents.
I’ve used the archival materials from Light Impressions for many years and highly recommend them as a resource.
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