Imaging · 5 min read

Restoring Old Family Photographs

By the Lumber Frames studio ·

In short

Photo restoration digitises the original at high resolution, repairs tears, creases, stains and fading digitally, and reprints the result on archival paper — leaving the original untouched. The restored print can then be framed with UV-filtering glazing, and the original stored safely.

Family photographs are often the most precious things people bring into the studio — and frequently the most damaged. Restoration can bring them back without risking the original.

What restoration can fix

  • Tears, creases and missing corners
  • Water stains, spots and mould marks
  • Fading and colour shifts
  • Scratches, dust and surface damage

How it works

The photograph is scanned at high resolution. Damage is repaired digitally, tone and colour are corrected, and the image is proofed for approval. The restored photograph is then printed on archival paper. The original is returned exactly as it came in.

Display the copy, protect the original

Display the restored print and keep the original stored flat, in the dark, in an archival sleeve. If you do frame an original, use UV-filtering glazing and acid-free mounts, and hang it away from sunlight.

Share the family archive

Once digitised, a photograph can be printed for every branch of the family, enlarged for a feature wall, or combined into a framed family collage.

Questions

Is my original photograph altered during restoration?

No. Restoration is done on a high-resolution digital copy; the original is returned unchanged.

Can you enlarge a small old photo?

Often, yes. We scan at high resolution and advise the largest size that will still look good.

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