Osian's Auction Catalogue The Greatest Indian Show On Earth | September 2014

A NOTE ON CONSERVATION, RESTORATION & PRESERVATION OF CINEMA MEMORABILIA Amitesh Kumar Lobby Cards Images from a film are often printed directly on to photographic or archival paper, to be displayed in the show-window or lobby of a cinema hall. These are issued in sets of six, eight or twelve or 24/30 in the earlier years. These were originally A4 size, black and white prints on photographic paper (Lots 30 Jagte Raho, 61 Mahal). The newer versions of these are larger format, color offset prints on paper, mounted onto cardboard supports (Lot 222 Yes Boss). Photographic Still Mounted on Lobby Cards A different variety of Lobby Cards have photographs mounted on a cardboard base which carries the names of main film credits such as the film title, director and producer names. The negative itself of these photographs are sometimes hand-colored, else the set of positive photographic prints are hand-colored, adding a further artistic element to these (Lots 42 Kal Aaj Aur Kal, 126 Bawarchi). Song Synopsis Booklets The Song-Synopsis Booklet which includes the lyrics of film songs is unique to the Indian film industry, though based on the Hollywood hand booklet. A small informative booklet, usually strung together, an SSB contains vital information about the film, including the full list of credits, a synopsis in English, Hindi and often in Gujarati or Urdu, as well as the lyrics of the film’s songs. Besides the basic credits, an ideal SSB will also contain information regarding the laboratory where the film was processed, the studio where the songs were recorded and mixed, names of make-up and wardrobe artists, et al. In some cases, the booklet may also contain stills from the film and a miniaturized copy of the film’s poster on its cover. Some studios employed artists to design their booklets and they have striking color schemes and designing patterns. The SSB is arguably the most precious and useful research document amidst all the visually rich memorabilia (Lots 34 Mera Naam Joker, 65 Mughal-e-Azam). Gramophone Records Gramophone records are doubly precious given the albums of film songs they hold as well as for the artistic designs of their square sleeve jackets (Lots 37 Films of Raj Kapoor, Lot 77 Meena Kumari & Pakeezah) The majority of film publicity materials and memorabilia are paper based, in the form of posters, photographs, show cards, lobby cards, song synopsis booklets, etc. Acidity is the inherent property of the paper based material due to the presence of lignin in paper pulp, which is amongst the primary causes of deterioration. Acidity weakens the paper making it brownish and brittle. With time acidity spreads and deteriorates cellulose fibers within the paper itself. Acidity further spreads when the artwork comes into contact with other acidic materials and environmental pollutants. In the process of conservation the rate of deterioration is controlled by minimizing the acidity present in the paper, and making an alkaline buffer on it as a protective layer. This is done in various ways after undertaking a careful study of the nature of the artwork. Once an artwork is neutralized of its acidity, it becomes relatively stronger. There are certain internationally recommended conventions which a conservator follows during the process of conservation of artworks. Prior to undertaking conservation treatment, a thorough examination of the artwork is essential. Notes are to be made of the materials and manufacturing techniques, types and strength of paper, types of colors and inks used, solubility of medium, type and extent of damages, etc. Sometimes an artwork does not need any active restoration treatment, if aptly preserved. Finally, if necessary, a paper based artwork may be lined with an acid free handmade tissue paper, pre-washed cotton or linen or canvas to strengthen its paper support from the back. The selection of material for lining has to be done judiciously. Recommendations for Handling and Storage of Cinematic Artworks: For proper preservation we wish to make some simple recommendations: 1. Handle with due care 2. Handle with clean hands 3. Handle as little as possible and only when necessary 4. Preferably store framed, else flat and covered with an acid free handmade paper/paperboard 5. Store or display in a dust free atmosphere 6. Do not use poor quality mount or plastic sleeves 7. Never overlay with plastic laminates 8. Do not place the artwork in places with changing temperature or humid or extreme climate 9. Do not expose artworks to fumes and fireplaces 10. The ideal temperature and relative humidity for artworks is 18-22 degrees Celsius and 45-55% respectively. High humidity deteriorates the paper material and low humidity may cause brittleness. 11. Periodic physical inspection is important to minimize risk 12. In case of any damage a restorer may be contacted Lot 180