Does anyone know what is the expected longevity of archivally processed black and white fiber base papers? I seem to recall a figure around 5 centuries, properly stored, but I may be way off. I found the web site once of a researcher who does archival testing and had published his results in a tome. I'd like to find that link again.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@earthlink.net), July 21, 1999

Answers

This is a ridiculously-generic response, but I know Ilford says their MG FB WT is supposed to last at least one century, when processed acording to their archival technique (which includes only a 10 minute wash after Washaid!!!--yeah right!). I'm sure you have read that already, though...Shawn

-- shawn gibson (shawn.gibson@utoronto.ca), July 23, 1999.

100 years is nothing for a properly processed black and white fiber print. check out the ansel adams method of archival processing.

-- mark lindsey (lindseygraves@msn.com), July 25, 1999.

One more useless answer:

Actually all of the figures given on the stability of current materials are derived from theory or from accelerated-ageing tests (which are also theory-based). The actual stability of a print depends on so many variables that it is next to impossible to consider all of them. I have also read the prognosis that a selenium or sepia toned FB print should last for centuries (Hicks/Schultz, The B&W Handbook), but I doubt I could sue anyone if the statement were wrong.

Here are a few statements which seem plausible

The best rag-pulp paper can last for centuries if stored cool and dry.

Selenium, gold or sepia toned prints, or Pt/Pd prints are probably chemically stable for at least as long.

The gelatin could be a weak point as it is organic matter which is not fully standardised.

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), July 26, 1999.

Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc. does research on the permanence of color and black and white images. Their URL is wilhelm- research.com. As I'm sure you know, the permanence of any print depends upon how it is stored (temperature; humidity; exposure to light and at what levels; exposure to acids/alkalis etc.). There are also some interesting contributors that Wilhelm has found that relate to spraying the print with lacquers and other "protectors" that were found to actually cause the print to degrade more quickly.

The book that they have is mostly dedicated to color, but there is a chapter on black and white - and they are not too kind to RC paper in general. They are currently working on a project for the Smithsonian Institute on researching the best method of preservation for all types of photographic materials.

You might also want to look at Ctien's new book as he also discusses his experiences and tests in regards to black and white print permanence and renders his opinions on how to make a print as permanent as possible.

-- steve (swines@egginc.com), July 26, 1999.

I checked out the Wilhelm site, which is the site I remembered finding once before. It DOES NOT have data on black and white photographic prints at this time, though there is a note stating that such information will be available there in the near future. It seems to me that T. Wollstein's comment that the gelatine is the weak point is probably correct, and I may begin using a print hardener on my prints after toning. Now I need to know more about what hardeners do. Anyone have any information? The hardener I use for my brown-toned prints is Kodak F-5a, which contains Sodium Sulfite, Acetic Acid, Boric Acid, and Potassium Alum, and since it is formulated for use as an after-fix hardener it seems ideal for my purpose.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@unblinkingeye.com), July 28, 1999.

I just saw an Ansel Adams show at a local Art Center and the prints looked fine to me and some of them were BF. That's before the fire. So those prints are old by todays standards. Following his methods should yield prints that will last longer than any of us. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), July 30, 1999.

Umm Ed. No one said the SITE had information on black-and-white materials. The BOOK (which is totally different from the site) HAS a chapter on the storage and display of black-and-white photographs. The clever person, upon reading that chapter, can EXTRAPOLATE many interesting facts associated with black-and-white that contribute to the longevity of print materials.

-- franki wango (MrWango@worldnet.att.net), August 08, 1999.

I apologize for my obtuseness. Yes, I should obtain and read Wilhelm's book on The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs, with it's chapter on black and white. It is only $40. Thank you for pointing this out to me. If you have read the book, do you have any real contribution to make to this thread? Please share your information with the rest of us, because that's what this forum is all about.

-- Ed Buffaloe (edbuffaloe@earthlink.net), August 11, 1999.