Effects of Cleaning Experiments on Face-mounted Photographs
Channel: AIC & FAIC
Date: 29/08/2016

By Clara von Waldthausen and Bill Wei, University of Amsterdam

Abstract: For the past twenty-five years, face-mounted photographs form a large part of contemporary photographic collections. Due to the electrostatic charge of the PMMA, these
photographs can accumulate dust and soil while on exhibition, during transport and even in storage.

Cleaning tests were performed as part of the International Face-mounting Initiative to learn more about the nature of dust accumulation on face-mounted photographs and the mid-term effects of cleaning on the PMMA surface. Various methods were looked at including mechanical cleaning using dust clothes, compressed air combined with an “ion gun”, as well as the by artists commonly used AMS Cleaning System.

A second part of the research studied the electrostatic charge build-up on the PMMA surface as a result of cleaning. Which methods caused the most build-up and how long did the
electrostatic charge on the surface last? This paper aims to examine the outcomes of cleaning tests and discuss some tips on cleaning strategies.

Speaker bio: In 2001, Clara von Waldthausen established the Fotorestauratie Atelier VOF, conservation lab for photograph conservation and digitization of fragile materials of which
she is Director. Waldthausen is currently working in private practice, and at the University of Amsterdam where she established a MA Program for Photograph Conservation at the 
University of Amsterdam. She is coordinator and lecturer of the programme which started in September 2015.