Removing emulsion ( intact with image) from glass plate negatives?

[pdeeh]

I enquire on behalf of a friend, who has recently acquired a box of photographic negatives (around 50 years old) on Ilford HP3 glass plates (9x12). These are to be used as part of an art installation.

While the plates can be used as they are after cleaning, we noticed that the emulsion is lifting from the edges in some places, and wondered if it would be possible to remove the entire image from the glass plate.

Another thread here at APUG provides some information about doing so with roll film ((there was a url link here which no longer exists)) but it might be helpful to know if anyone has already tried it with glass plates of this age, and - if successful - what techniques were employed.

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear pdeeh,

NO ITS ABSOLUTELY NOT POSSIBLE, DO NOT ATTEMPT IT....

It is possible to remove the emulsion by soaking, but it has no inherent strength whatsoever and will break up and be lost forever.

I understand that the negatives are exposed, before even cleaning them I advise you print the images ( or contact print them ) onto photo paper to preserve the image.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology limited

 

[pdeeh]

thanks Siimon.
If I post the box details, with any batch numbers etc, would it be possible to date the material?

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear Pdeeh,

No it will not be possible, if you take a photo of the box and post it I should be able to approximately date it.

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[pdeeh]

Sorry it has been so long Simon, but here are images of the box.