Project Photography - Sample Set

In October 2020 the Dutch Foundation for the Preservation of Contemporary Art (SBMK), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), sixteen museums, and the Cultural Heritage Agency of The Netherlands (RCE) joined forces in a three-year collaborative project titled ‘Project Collection Knowledge 2.0 - Photography’.

As a result of the Dutch Photography Project, we are very excited to be able to offer you the one time opportunity to purchase an extensive photographic sample set of modern and contemporary processes, some of which are now obsolete. Examples include: dye transfer, photo-linen, silver dye bleach, dye diffusion, toned silver gelatin developed-out, and also contemporary processes and techniques such as face-mounted, laminated chromogenic prints and dye sublimation on metal (ChromaLuxe®).

Sample Set & Online Tool
This unique sample set of reference materials serves as a material aid for the identification of modern and contemporary photographs. The set is the physical component of the digital tool for identification of photograph processes, supports and finishing techniques that will be developed during the duration of the Project Collection Knowledge 2.0 - Photography. The digital online tool will include process identification and extensive information about preservation issues surrounding modern and contemporary photographs. The online tool will be made available in English and Dutch and be similar in design to the Plastic Identification Tool that was developed in the  previous SBMK project.

The set can be used for educational and research purposes. Various national and international printing labs and photographers are responsible for the printing of the sample set that encompasses 49 selected papers of photographic processes and techniques to represent the materials found in photography collections.

75 locations all over the world bought the SBMK sample set. Not only in the Dutch and Belgian museums, but also, for example, in the Yale University Art Gallery, The Metropolitan, the Geneva library, the National Film Archive in Poland, museums in Hong Kong and Australia. The Getty even ordered three; for different departments.

Missed out?
If you missed the offer and you would still like to have the Photography Sample Set, send an email to aanmelden@sbmk.nl, you will be placed with a list. As soon as there are enough interested parties, we can eventually place a second order. Realise the price and composition of a possible second edition may differ from the original set due to the obsolete processes and the high discount we received because of the project.