Confronting Decay: The Pilot Project with Cellulose-nitrate and Cellulose-acetate Negatives at the Martin-Hürlimann-Archiv of the Fotostiftung Schweiz

Abstract

The progressive degradation of cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate negatives poses significant challenges for many memory institutions, where urgent conservation needs often confront limited human and financial resources. Against this backdrop, the Fotostiftung Schweiz in Winterthur initiated a pilot project at the Martin Hürlimann Archive to evaluate strategies for handling such sensitive and frequently large-scale material. Approximately 32,000 negatives were identified according to their material composition, triaged based on condition, and rehoused in order to slow catalytic degradation processes. This case study underscores the importance of establishing clear priorities during the planning phase through a careful balancing of conservation urgency, health risks, institutional frameworks, available resources, and the photohistorical significance of the material.

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