Picture stuck to glass

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grc100

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George
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Hi all,

I have a large framed photograph (A3/A2 sort of size) which is stuck to the glass. It was taken about 30 years ago and I reckon has been stuck to the glass for about 10 years or so. It's only about 30% of the picture stuck.

Does anyone know of anywhere/one that can fix this? I took the picture to a local framing shop and they said it would be too risky for them to do it. It's a very very very important picture and can't be damaged, so I told them if there's any risk to the image don't do it. I'm looking for someone that specialises in this that can do it. I'm based in south Devon, can travel if it means getting the photo unstuck! Any help would be great
 
I too would photograph the print, carefully lit to avoid reflections from the glass - thus there would be a fail-safe digital copy if the removal process failed. No, it would not be the original print, but in the circumstances ... and from it a copy could be printed. I would use a dslr at max resolution to produce a raw file which I would then process in Photoshop to regulate the tones and remove any dust spots.

For the removal, a framing shop may not be the place. Look for a museum conservator maybe?
 
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vetonbike said:
I did it for a customer once. It is very difficult to part them. The first thing I would do is to photograph the print. Then if it go's wrong at least you have a chance of saving something.
Click to expand...

That is certainly the best advice any one could give.
There are few people with the necessary skill outside the conservation departments of museums.

Some times photographic prints can be soaked off. But prints of that age are likely to have been dry mounted on to mounting board. And the shellac tissue used, makes soaking through the mount and print very difficult..
A second problem is that often the gelatine emulsion has lost its chemical structure, and simply breaks up and disolves, destroying the image.
Unfortunately prints of that age are often printed on luster finished paper, which will have become permanently semi glazed where it has stuck to the glass. If this is the case the surface will be permanently spoilt, even if removed sucessfully.

The problem is, that there is no way of telling before the procedure starts.

The best option is to get a competent photographer to copy it as it is, and do any necessary retouching work.
 
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As the image is important I would find a specialist studio who have the rig to photograph it accurately without reflection.......as least as mentioned you will have a permanent record that can be reproduced as needed.

Only then can a specialist conservator give you guidance and a quote for the work to remove it from the glass.

You might find some useful help at the county museum service???
 
I agree with Gary. Unless it is absolutely essential to remove the print from the glass I would leave it alone. A framer could put it in a box frame so the print stays on the glass but would be protected by the frame and a new piece of glass. It would worth looking at what might be needed inside the box frame to help preserve the print - silica gel, perhaps.

However, I also agree with getting a good photo of it.


Dave
 
Might be worth a call to Focal Point up in Exeter to see if they could a) copy the photo (as insurance!) and b) separate it from the glass. They'll also be able to reprint it from any insurance shot if necessary. You could also give the RAMM (Exeter's museum) a call and see if they might be able to recommend someone to do the job(s).
 
Thankyou everyone, very helpful! I think I will have it professionally photographed and then look into a museum conservator to help. thanks all
 
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