Mirasol Estrada, Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Residency Program
Neither Mexican nor a suitcase. But stunning in historical value. Three boxes that include uncut rolled negatives by Robert Capa and others who documented the Mexican Civil War (1936-39). The journey of the boxes is symbolic. Cornell Capa was looking for the negatives which were not discovered until 2007. The discovery was featured on NYTImes published in 2008. Strong visibility to the field.
Photographers represented – Robert Capa, Gerda Taro (first woman war photographer to die on the frontlines), and David “Chim” Seymour.
Note that work created by Capa may infact be created by Endre Friedmann and Gerda Taro.
Concerns – ICP asked GEH for assistance focused on handling and reproduction. Materials remained at ICP.
Condition: All nitrate. Tight curl. Generally good condition. Filmstrips cut. Broken sprocket holes.
A wonderful object that offers important challenges associated with context. Maintaining the meaning of the format is essential. No moisture to be used owing to potential risk. Balance between preservation and access mandatory.
How to handle curled film? Scanners not option for rolled films and/or recording of all edges. Scanner for motion picture technology not possible owing to broken sprocket holes. Film viewer allowed safe access. Manipulation was modified to allow the print to stay flat using two pieces of glass to hold edges of the film. Planar Film Duplicating Device developed to be used in copy stand. Digital or analog capture possible. Minimal stress to film. A creative solution. The resultant images are exceptional. Loss of definition was a concern but not reality.
Newton rings resulted. These were eliminated with the use of a very good quality glass.
Cold storage proposed for long-term stability. Kept in their original shape and placed in archival box with mat board included to absorb moisture. Original boxes were stabilized and facsimilies created in acetate for the original boxes.
ICP is preparing an exhibition in September. Check out ICP website for more information on this treatment and research project on NOTESON PHOTOGRAPH.
Questions – was any of the film cleaned prior to duplication? Superficial cleaning recommended with compressed air.