After DANA, Valencia and all of Spain are showing that, thanks to the strength of people, they can overcome any tragedy and obstacle they encounter. Another good demonstration of this comes from the University of Valencia, where they have launched a free service so that all photos that have been damaged can be restored.
Family photo albums are a small treasure. This is one of the objects that we usually protect above all else, especially when those photos bring together snapshots from many decades ago. Today we are accustomed to using mobile phones and digital cameras, but classic albums still have extreme importance in our present, past and future. That is why it is such good news that the UV has revealed its initiative to help those who have seen how these valuable photos were damaged.
What to do if the photos are filled with mud?
Families who have suffered DANA have seen how many of the items in their homes have been left sadly muddy. Some, unfortunately, have no solution, but in the case of photos, there is something that can be done. The first thing the University of Valencia does is ask citizens, first of all, not to throw away their precious photographic albums. Next, what they recommend is that they be placed inside bags in which the contents inside are provided with a certain level of breathability.
Since in these difficult times it is difficult to look for specific bags for this type of situation, the UV says that it is possible to use normal garbage bags. The only thing that will have to be done is to make a few holes in the bag so that, once closed, there can be an air circulation circuit, even if it is at a low level.
Procedure to recover photos
Once we have the photos inside the bags, we have to label them so that there is no misplaced paper when we leave them in the hands of the University of Valencia. From there they indicate that you must write the name and surname of the citizen who sends them, the original postal address, the current postal address if it is not the same, the email and a telephone number that serves as a contact.
Next, you will have to contact the team responsible for this initiative at the University of Valencia. For this, the email address patrimoni.cultural@uv.es or the telephone number 686 788 721 is enabled. The best of all is that the university itself will be in charge of collecting the photos so that citizens They don’t have to worry about anything. After collection, the UV will proceed to transfer the photos to the laboratories where they will be worked on for their restoration.
The type of process to restore them will depend on the age of the photograph. As the experts from the University of Valencia say, a photo from before the 1950s is not the same as one from after. Different mechanics have to be carried out to guarantee that the photo can be recovered and that its quality will be maintained as we remember it or, at least, as good as possible. At the same time, they explain that, to begin with, they take care of drying the photos. That avoids two things. First, let them stick together. And second, that they suffer deformations.
Then we proceed to clean the mud from the photos and restore them depending on each case. There may be situations where photos are very damaged and require a more advanced type of treatment. The good news is that this initiative of the University of Valencia has a large number of professionals participating in it. Thus, the Vice-Rector for Culture and Society collaborates with the Laboratory for Analysis and Diagnosis of Works of Art, as well as with the Spanish Conservation Group and the ETNO. Many great photography professionals will strive to restore these beautiful and important memories of the affected families.
