Photographs

Self-evaluation quiz

Question 1.

The causes of damage to photographs can be broadly divided into two categories—physical damage and chemical damage. Name three examples of each.

Question 2.

If you must handle photographs, you should:

a) handle them as little as possible;

b) wear cotton gloves or surgical gloves;

c) always have clean hands;

d) place the photographs on rigid supports;

e) all of the above.

Question 3.

When labelling photographs you should:

a) use biro or felt tip pen;

b) label each photograph on the edge of the back of the print, using a soft pencil and minimum pressure;

c) attach a paper label to the photograph using a paper clip;

d) press hard to make sure the label can be seen.

Question 4.

If you have a damaged photograph you should:

a) place it in a protective sleeve or wrapper;

b) mend it with sticky tape;

c) seek the advice of a conservator;

d) use rubber cement to stick it to an album page.

Question 5.

What are the ideal temperature ranges and relative humidity for storage of photographs?

a)25ºC±2ºC and 60%RH

b)18ºC±2ºC and 30–50%RH

c)15ºC±4ºC and 10–20%RH

d)20ºC±2ºC and 50%RH

Question 6.

If you have a photographic collection which has been kept in an extreme environment and is in good condition, you should:

a) take every possible step to change the storage environment so that it meets the recommended ideal conditions;

b) take steps to improve storage methods and materials but do not alter the environment to meet the recommended ideal conditions;

c) install air conditioning.

Question 7.

Of the following materials, which are good for storing photographs and which are bad for photographs?

butchers' paper, metal furniture with baker enamel finish, PVC, coated paper, polyester, photographic storage paper, museum mount board, furniture made from uncured wood, black papers containing sulphur, coloured papers, polypropylene, newsprint, photographic-quality wood pulp papers?

Question 8.

Providing layers of storage with individually wrapped photographs placed inside boxes, and in some cases these boxes placed in other boxes:

a) gives maximum protection from fluctuations and extremes of relative humidity;

b) is wasteful of materials;

c) is a good way to fill in time but doesn't do much for the collection;

d) protects photographs from dust, pollutants, insects and the damaging effects of light.

Question 9.

What function does an acid-free window mount/mat have in a conservation framing system for photographs?

a) The mount/mat provides a space between the glazing and the image.

b) The border around the photograph can enhance the appearance of the photograph.

c) The mount helps to buffer the photograph from changes in relative humidity.

d) All of the above.

Question 10.

The best kind of light for the display of photographs is:

a) tungsten incandescent bulbs;

b) daylight;

c) low wattage fluorescent tubes;

d) spotlights for individual images.