At the New York Public Library, the Photography Collection is a special collection, part of the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs. It is comprised of over 500,000 photographs that include examples of almost every photographic process from daguerreotypes to digital imagery and inkjet prints. It also holds major collections such as the Farm Security Administration photographs; over 42,000 stereographs; 9/11 Photo Collection; Pageant of America photo archive and many more. During this workshop, we will examine at least 20 different photographic objects (in book form and loose prints) to show the different types of photographic processes from the beginning of photography (1839) to our most recent acquisitions representing contemporary processes. Participants are able to study the objects up-close, and be able to see different physical characteristics that make up each process. For materials that require closer examination, a mini microscope will be used (provided by NYPL). Many of the objects shown will include fine examples of early processes to the most obscure processes, that still elude conservators and historians today. Of course, there will also be more common processes (i.e. gelatin silver prints and albumen silver prints) found in many library and archival collections. Subject matter will focus on the diversity of the collection, as well as New York City scenes, people and the creators themselves.
'Take-aways' for participants:
Opportunity to see many different types of photographic processes, including negatives and photomechanical processes.
Learn about the diverse holdings of the Photography Collection, including a brief mention of the Art & Architecture collection, the Print Collection; the Spencer Collection of illustrated books and fine bindings, and the Picture Collection that are also part of the Wallach Division.
Best practices on how to preserve photographic materials, including negatives.
Best practices on physical arrangement and description, based on the Photography Collection at NYPL.
Best practices on how to physically handle different types and formats of photographs.
Resource guides on the history of photography; photobooks; photographic processes; photographic preservation (Bibliography handout will be supplied).
Informal discussion among participants and workshop host to talk and ask questions about their own photographic collections and suggest possible solutions.
Zulay Chang works in the Photography Collection, Wallach Divison of Art, Prints and Photographs at the New York Public Library. She has an MLIS from Queens College, CUNY, concentration in archival materials, and an MA in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson... Read More →
