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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Belfast beau on Saturday 08 February 14 12:25 GMT (UK)

Title: letters from america
Post by: Belfast beau on Saturday 08 February 14 12:25 GMT (UK)
Hi all. I have four letters from American immigrants from 1920/1930 any suggestions for preserving them. They are slightly damaged around the edges and creased where they were Folded, I was thinking of laminating them. I would be open to suggestions and I'm sure there are experts out there who could help. Thanks for reading my request Belfast beau. :)
Title: Re: letters from america
Post by: Mo cara on Saturday 08 February 14 13:38 GMT (UK)
I would suggest that you make a photo copy of each page.  Laminate the copy's and see what way they turn out.  I would then store the originals in a place where they will not be in direct light or near any dampness.  Use the laminated copy's for showing purposes.  This way you are preserving the originals.  :D
Title: Re: letters from america
Post by: Ruskie on Saturday 08 February 14 13:42 GMT (UK)
NEVER laminate old documents! It destroys them. There have been threads here about how to preserve old paper - I will see if I can find them.
Title: Re: letters from america
Post by: Ruskie on Saturday 08 February 14 13:46 GMT (UK)
There are several topics on the subject. Here is a link to some:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,420.0.html
Ex member PrueM and (a professional conservator herself) gives some good advice.
Title: Re: letters from america
Post by: Belfast beau on Tuesday 11 February 14 22:16 GMT (UK)
Hi Ruskie & Mo cara. Thank you for the advice,I like the copies idea that makes sense and the laminates can be handled as required. I will also seek the guidance of the conservationists at PRONI or the Ulster museum. Hopefully they will both give the same advice and I can secure them for the future. Again thank you for your input. Belfast beau. :)