Classic Boat Museum Volunteers Trained in Glass Plate Negative Preservation Techniques

Four volunteers from the Classic Boat Museum on the Isle of Wight visited the National Motor Museum recently, to gain specialist training in the care and preservation of historic glass plate negatives.

The visit focused on our Photographic Collection, which holds more than 17,700 glass plate negatives. Following a morning visit to the Museum, the group undertook a guided tour of the photographic storage facilities led by Mandy Schaller, Curator of Photography.

During the session, volunteers were introduced to best practice methods for handling fragile glass plate negatives. The programme included hands-on training in cleaning techniques, digitisation processes, and appropriate storage solutions to ensure long-term preservation.

The training forms part of a knowledge-sharing initiative initiated by Museum Development Southwest. The Classic Boat Museum volunteers were particularly interested in developing their skills to care for and digitise their own collection of historic glass negatives.

Curator of Photography, Mandy Schaller said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome the volunteers and share practical preservation approaches. These skills are essential to preserving fragile photographic heritage and making it accessible for future generations."

The visit highlights the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions in safeguarding historic collections and ensuring that valuable visual records are preserved and shared.