How to Preserve an Antique Photograph Album

A photograph album combines images, paper, adhesives, binding and annotations. Each component can age differently.

Safe routine care

Keep the original order, handle pages from their edges and support the binding on a book cradle. Use clean dry hands unless the process requires gloves.

What not to do

Do not peel photographs free, add self-adhesive tape or write on originals. Plastic 'magnetic' album pages can be damaging.

Storage and specialist help

Place interleaving only on professional advice and digitise without flattening a tight or fragile binding.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.