1883 photo restoration

[kawabata]

Hopefully my comments help since I have the original photograph.

First, the original scan is at 600 dpi, but it must be downloaded from the picasa website, not right click and saved, but "download." I know that might seem like the same thing, but on picasa, it's not. The file is over 1 meg, thus why I couldn't post it directly here.

Second, I would be happy to email anybody that wants the file directly. Please feel free to contact me and I'll send you the file directly.

Third, I was looking at the original photograph under a zoom app on my phone (sad, I know), and there is what you are referring to as a "leathering" going on. So, no higher resolution will fix that, it's just the way it is. Sorry the quality isn't better, but then again, that's partly why I've submitted it here and makes it all part of the fun and challenge!!

Thanks everyone though, very interesting hearing the discussion about the issues of the photograph.

[Niksmum]

I "downloaded" it from the picasa site and it still shows as 72 dpi with my software 

That being said here is a restore from me

Irene

Edited....BTW not a good idea to put your e mail address on here.

[kawabata]

Also, while this is already scanned at 600 DPI, I cannot post it as the file size is just too high. I've cropped it down multiple times to upload, but I still get to 800k, above the max. If you go to:

https://picasaweb.google.com/111492589600529292865/NewFolder02?authkey=Gv1sRgCKWbqMP9t62PXg#5839798273832721154

Click on "download" and there you can download a 1.32 Meg version of the picture. thanks again!!

[tommyfromri]

an effort from me..I have a 3 MB file for this photo also, if you'd like it send me a RC pm with email and I'll forward it to you.., tommy

[PrueM]

I downloaded this and found the same texture G.S...I don't see it as pixelation either...perhaps this is what has happened here:

High temperatures speed up chemical changes, increasing deterioration. Some photos have an “alligatored” or cracked surface; this dimensional change can be caused by extreme heat or cold.

Carol

The distinctive pattern on the surface of this photograph is typical of albumen prints and not seen on gelatin emulsions (they crack less regularly.  Collodion emulsions don't crack at all, because they're not hydrophilic).  Albumen swells and shrinks, with changes in relative humidity, to a greater degree than many materials - unfortunately because the paper underneath is stuck fast to card, it can't expand and contract in a likewise fashion (and would probably do so at a different rate anyway) so these stress cracks occur.  Here's an article about the phenomenon: http://albumen.conservation-us.org/science/

This may perhaps be more dull than you thought possible...sorry about that 

[Greensleeves]

Not dull at all Pru but fascinating.  I can see I'm going to be spending a goodly part of today reading up about various types of prints now!

[Maggie.]

Thanks Pru - I'm finding it interesting too, although it will take me more than one read to understand it 

When doing a restore I find I do start to muse about what has caused the damage so perhaps this will help me to better understand some of those cracks and marks.