Evolution of Conservation Approaches for Autochromes: Insights from Clara von Waldthausen and Luisa Casella
Autochromes present unique challenges due to the specific characteristics of their material composition. Over time, few conservators and conservation scientists have dedicated efforts to understand and address these challenges, resulting in a nuanced evolution of conservation approaches. This discussion explores that research, focusing on the contributions of Clara von Waldthausen and Luisa Casella within this landscape.
Historically, conservation efforts for autochromes targeted issues like rapid light fading and delamination of the image layer. Common practices were limited to replacing cover glasses and rebinding damaged plates. Key figures such as Bertrand Lavédrine, Jean-Paul Gandolfo, and Peter Krause played pivotal roles by conducting historical research and characterizing materials and deterioration mechanisms. Lavédrine's 1991 study on autochrome dyes underscored their low light stability, influencing widely adopted guidelines against their display.
Building on this foundation, Clara and Luisa addressed practical concerns still faced by conservators. Starting in 2001, Clara collaborated with Bertrand Lavédrine to propose an effective consolidation method using solvent vapors, a sea-change moment in the treatment of these objects. In 2007, marking the autochrome's centennial, Luisa explored low-oxygen display methods to enable their safe exhibition. Although both Clara and Luisa’s research is over a decade ago, they remain the latest advances in conservation approaches to these objects.
This presentation will review Clara and Luisa’s research results, which exemplify innovative approaches in navigating the delicate balance between preservation and intervention strategies for these historical artifacts.
Clara C. von Waldthausen (she/her) holds a Master of Arts in Photograph Conservation from the University of Amsterdam. She is lecturer in Photograph Conservation at the University of Amsterdam where she established the program in 2015. Clara also works in private practice at her Foto Restauratie Atelier VOF. There she works with museums and archives, giving advice, teaching workshops and performing condition surveys and conservation treatments. (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Luisa Casella (she/ her) trained in Art Conservation at the Instituto Politécnico de Tomar in Portugal. She was an Advanced Residency Program in Photograph Conservation Fellow at George Eastman House/ Image Permanence Institute, and a Research Scholar in Photograph Conservation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has held photograph conservator positions at Luis Pavão, Lda., Harry Ransom Center, and West Lake Conservators. (Ithaca, New York, USA).
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