Southeast Museum of Photography Preservation Assessment Project

FAIN: PG-266669-19

Daytona State College (Daytona Beach, FL 32114-2817)
James Pearson (Project Director: January 2019 to February 2020)
Erin Gordon (Project Director: February 2020 to May 2022)

A preservation assessment of a collection of 4,500 photographs dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, 1,500 objects representing photographic processes (such as photo transfer screen prints and glass lantern slides), and 372 vintage or antique cameras.  Highlights of the collection include prints from Edward Weston, Tina Modotti, and Paul Strand; a catalog of photojournalistic images taken by National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry, photo-journalist Kate Brooks, and documentary filmmaker Louie Palu; daguerreotype portraits from the 1880s; and photographs from the revolution and early post-revolution periods in Cuba from 1955 to 1970.

Support from the National Endowment for the Humanities will fund three primary activities for the Southeast Museum of Photography (SMP) Preservation Assessment Project: • A formal assessment of the photographs and photographic objects from the museum’s 4,500 piece collection by a professional conservator of photographs. • In consultation with a professional conservator of photographs, the creation of a long-term preservation strategy for existing materials and future accessions. • In consultation with a professional conservator of photographs, the creation of a list of appropriate archival collections materials to reinforce existing collection materials and to support the care of future acquisitions. Through these activities, SMP aims to become better stewards of its cultural artifacts ensuring the photographs and photographic materials in the museum’s care can be preserved and maintained in accordance with the highest standards for future generations.

Associated Products

Southeast Museum of Photography | Conservation (Web Resource)
Title: Southeast Museum of Photography | Conservation
Author: Erin Gordon
Abstract: A summary of the conservation projects undertaken by the Southeast Museum of Photography and the grant awards that support the museum's conservation efforts.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://southeastmuseumofphotography.org/conservation
Primary URL Description: Southeast Museum of Photography's web page detailing conservation projects to inform the visitors and the general public

Daytona State College Awarded Federal Grant for Southeast Museum of Photography Funding will improve the museum's ability to preserve and care for its collection (Article)
Title: Daytona State College Awarded Federal Grant for Southeast Museum of Photography Funding will improve the museum's ability to preserve and care for its collection
Author: James Pearson
Abstract: Florida Trend Magazine press release - Daytona State College Awarded Federal Grant for Southeast Museum of Photography Funding will improve the museum's ability to preserve and care for its collection
Year: 2019
Primary URL: https://www.floridatrend.com/article/27950/daytona-state-college-awarded-federal-grant-for-southeast-museum-of-photography-funding-will-improve-th%E2%80%A6
Primary URL Description: Florida Trend Magazine press release
Format: Magazine
Periodical Title: Florida Trend magazine
Publisher: Florida Trend Magazine

Testo Mini Temperature & Humidity Data Logger Starter Kit (Equipment)
Name: Testo Mini Temperature & Humidity Data Logger Starter Kit
Description: 2-channel Testo Mini Temperature & Humidity Data Logger Starter Kit is ideal for the continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity. The digital display can be programmed for measurement cycles from 1 minute to 24 hours and stores 16,000 readings.
Location: permanent collection storage room
Year: 2020

Rehousing Wallace Wilson's "Baby Idol" (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Rehousing Wallace Wilson's "Baby Idol"
Writer: Erin Gordon
Director: Erin Gordon
Abstract: One major project in need of immediate mitigation was a large-scale work entitled Baby Idol by Wallace Wilson. This work was added to the SMP collection in 1992. It is made up of a series of cellulose acetate sheets, similar to those used in x-rays. It has rarely been displayed as it is 13ft long and over 9ft wide. As such, it had been rolled in storage for many years. It was important to evaluate the condition of the work, take documentation photos, and make sure there was no evident damage after being left in storage for so long. During her site visit, photography conservator Kim Du Boise assessed the current state of the work and advised museum staff to add archival buffered interleaving tissue to create a barrier that would stabilize and protect the emulsion. The outside of the work was then wrapped with tyvek, an archival water-resistant material that will keep the piece protected from dust for long-term storage. Rehousing oversized works like this one is imperative to preserve the longevity of the work.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://vimeo.com/519540339
Format: Video

LeSesne Orotype Conservation (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: LeSesne Orotype Conservation
Writer: Erin Gordon
Director: erin gordon
Producer: erin gordon
Abstract: Behind-the-scenes video shared on the Southeast Museum of Photography's social media account, showing SMP Director Erin Gordon treatment of R.H Lesene's orotype from 1910, based on recommendations by photography conservator Kim Du Boise. During the spot check, Mrs. Du Boise identified another crucial conservation project – to remove soil on the surface and replace the cardboard backer on a vintage 1910 orotone by Volusia County photographer R. H. LeSesne. This orotone featuring a bucolic Florida waterscape was acquired by the museum in 2001. Given its age – over 110 years old – the work is in remarkable condition with only moderate scratches and soil build up on the surface of the plate, concentrated near the perimeter of the frame. However, the backing board used in framing was non-archival cardboard which is acidic and can cause deterioration of the plate with prolonged exposure. As such, it was necessary to unframed and replace the backing board. Photography conservator Kim Du Boise examined this work during her spot check of the inventory and advised SMP staff about what could safely be done to remove the dirt and grime from the surface, and mitigate further damage caused by the acidic board. Upon advice of the conservator, SMP Director Erin Gordon carefully removed the rusted nails holding the cardboard backer in place. Then, using soft, lint-free, anti-static wipes and distilled water, Gordon carefully cleaned the surface to remove the built up soil. A new acid-free, archival backing board was cut to replace the cardboard and a thin protective layer of Plexiglas was added to shield the surface from further scratches. Rust-resistant framer’s points secured everything in place, and the work is now ready for display.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQMNQCGNecu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Primary URL Description: behind-the-scenes video shared on the Southeast Museum of Photography's social media account
Format: Video

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