Photograph the object and its markings
As I shared with you in last week’s post, Archiving Artwork, digitizing anything for posterity is all about gathering as much information as possible. Three-dimensional objects are no different, you just have more angles to consider.
The information gained by adding object history to personal history is just as valuable as artwork or photographs, it adds another layer of clues.
Objects give insight into what people find important: their tastes, interests, and lifestyle. This is often the best way to start adding life’s texture to basic facts, enriching each relative’s personal story. As connections are made their personalities begin to reveal themselves.
Documenting these pieces is also driven largely by the purpose of the images.
- Restoration
- Objects life story – How did any of the damage or wear occur? Was it used heavily with love? Left in a leaky barn? Broken on accident? These are all pieces of the objects life timeline.
- Restoring the item yourself – This is a great way to show the before and after of what you’ve accomplished.
- Outsourcing restoration – The images are great for getting bids and letting potential vendors understand the scope of the project. It is also proof of condition prior to them doing any work for you.
- Research
- Identifying lineage – By creating a profile for an object, you can then tag it in photos within your collection. This will begin to show the timeline of ownership.
- Item Identification – When looking for information pertaining to the Manufacturer, Model, Style, Year Produced, and Location of Creation, the information is in the details. It’s not just the markings and tags on the item, it’s also the materials and construction.
- Inventory
- Multi-piece sets – Things like dishware, glassware, and silverware are prime examples of multi-piece sets. They are composed of multiple, matching items. Capturing quantity in a photograph ensures the information doesn’t get lost.
- Multi-piece objects – When an item itself is made up of multiple pieces, a photograph of it completely assembled doesn’t tell the whole story. Take the object apart and photograph the pieces arranged into a single photograph.
- Collections – These are made up of different, individual items that tell a more complete story as a whole but are often researched and valued individually. Depending on the content of the collection, they should be photographed as a whole, then individually for research and identification.
No matter the initial purpose, when the images are added to your archive, they automatically become part of the object and person’s story for future generations to enjoy.
Record materials, dimensions, and condition
Toy - Roy Rogers On His Horse
When photographing this toy, I decided that shots from above showed more of it’s character. It’s also made up of multiple pieces so I made sure to lay them out and photograph both sides, this helps show the condition and general make-up of the piece.
If you still have the original packaging, and are able to safely take the toy out, place them together in the same image, then photograph the packaging as if it were it’s own object. The clues in packaging can provide manufacturer, style, price, year, barcode… so many wonderful clues! If unable to remove the toy, treat it like any other object and photograph all angles of it.
I do not have the packaging but I was able to locate a manufacturer name on the inside of the saddle stirrups. After doing some research, I’ve discovered that the toy is circa 1950’s and I’m missing his hat and the two guns that sit in his holsters!
One day I hope to find who’s toy this was through family photos.
Object - Vintage Underwood Typewriter
This was my grandmother’s typewriter. She graduated from Stanford University with a degree in journalism. As so many women did in her time, she nurtured her family instead of her career. She wrote many newspaper articles and letters on this machine, thankfully using carbon paper for most of them, so I still have copies! By looking the make, model and serial number up on the website typewriterdatabase.com, I have found that this Underwood is circa 1919. As she was born in 1920, I’m certain there’s a story behind why she used such an older model up until her passing. If serial numbers or makers marks are not obvious on the item, you may need to Google to learn it’s location. This is vital for dating on object.
I can’t wait for the family member that know’s it story to share it with me in Archoral!
Furniture - Mahogany Letter Desk
This letter desk requires some love and some research. My intent with these photographs was to capture the style, wood grain, damage, and markings. I can then do the research at my leisure and have a proper photo shoot once I’ve cleaned it up.
I look forward to discovering which side of the family this belonged to and tracking its journey from origin to water damage in a barn, then restoration, and finally placement in my home!
Dishware - Wood & Sons Dishware Set
This dish set belonged to Grandma and is staying with the family. These photos were taken as inventory so we can share their origin story with future generations. When it comes to sets, I like to stack like items and photograph from the top for design, the side for count, and with one piece flipped over so I can record the makers mark. In this set there are a few different patterns, so they are grouped that way.
When I encounter broken pieces, I document them, and then put every piece into a hard sided container for future repair. There are companies that can take the most complicated repairs and return you an item that looks like new! I pick up each little flake I can, and place them in smaller containers. This allows them to have as much to work with as possible.. I use lidded boxes for the larger pieces and Amac containers for the smaller. Both are clear and come in a wide range of sizes. I prefer using clear boxes for broken items so I can easily see what’s inside without jostling the pieces too much, and bags could possibly cause more breakage.
I look forward to repairing this set and passing it on to future generations!
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October is Family History Month
To celebrate Family History Month, we will be providing tips on archiving your family’s photos and artifacts.
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Every piece of memorabilia has a story behind it, and that story directly connects to a personality.
Read on to learn how the Archoral indexer makes all your hard work worth it!
