Ref: M2E39013
This course can be taken as a standalone or as the second of a series of three courses about understanding photographic materials.
This practical course focuses on the scientific understanding of photographic deterioration and the development of systematic condition assessment skills. Participants will learn to recognise how different photographic processes fail, understand the underlying chemical and physical mechanisms, and develop professional approaches to documenting and prioritising conservation needs.
Day one covers deterioration mechanisms affecting photographic materials, examining how chemical and physical processes damage different types of photographs. Special attention is given to process-specific vulnerabilities, the distinction between support and image deterioration, and environmental factors affecting stability. The afternoon session focuses on film-based materials including the critical identification of hazardous nitrate film, acetate deterioration, and colour materials stability issues.
Day two provides systematic methodologies for condition assessment, teaching participants to recognise active versus inactive deterioration and develop risk-based approaches to conservation prioritisation. The substantial hands-on workshop uses both the instructor's study collection and examples from West Dean's archive to practice assessment techniques, develop standardised documentation, and master condition mapping approaches.
By the end of the course you will have learned:
This course is suitable for:
Intermediate to advanced - ideal for conservation students, collection managers, and heritage professionals. Basic understanding of photographic materials helpful. Course 1 (Process Identification) recommended but not essential. Suitable for those responsible for photographic collections.
Access to instructor's study collection showing various deterioration patterns; condition assessment forms and documentation templates; examples from West Dean's photographic archive; examination equipment for condition assessment; comprehensive course handbook with deterioration pattern guides; all workshop materials.
Notebook and pen for condition documentation; calculator for risk assessment exercises; any photographic materials from their collections (optional); comfortable clothing suitable for handling archival materials; close-fitting shoes for workshop sessions.
This course is part of a three-course sequence but can be taken independently. Knowledge from Course 1 (Process Identification) is helpful but not essential.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.00am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.00am – 5.00pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Simon Fleury is a freelance conservator based in London. He specialises in the conservation, preservation, and exhibition of photographic objects and works on paper. Simon worked for over 25 years at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where he was responsible for the care and preservation of the museum's world-class photographic holdings.
Stephanie Jamieson is a conservator specialising in the conservation of photographic materials and artworks on paper. Stephanie is on the committee of the Icon Photographic Materials Group and has worked as a conservator at the Glamorgan Archives in Cardiff and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
