Make & keep
What to do with a curled photobooth strip
Improve its storage and copying plan without forcing it flat.
A curved strip may no longer fit neatly into an album, but flattening is a treatment decision rather than a reason to reach for an iron. The first useful step is to document its condition and stop making the bend worse.
Know when to stop
The National Archives recommends a conservator for rolled material that cannot be opened without tearing. Do not force a fragile strip into a flatbed scanner or under a heavy object simply to obtain an image.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Make a condition note
Our record includes where the curve begins, whether the surface appears cracked and whether the print can rest without pressure. Photograph the object as it is, including a side view if helpful. The note is a description, not a diagnosis. Keep information about its original container, especially if the shape follows an old album or frame.
Plan the next use
For casual viewing, use an existing digital copy if one is available. For a new copy or suitable enclosure, explain the curvature to a conservator or imaging specialist before bringing it in. A practical quote should specify handling as well as resolution. Retaining a safe imperfect object is preferable to an irreversible home experiment.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- US National Archives — repairing damaged family archivesPreservation guidance