Albumen print (albumen photographic paper)

Albumen photographic paper uses albumen, derived from egg white, in the layer binding the image silver. An albumen print is a paper photograph made from a negative. It is not a direct image on glass or metal like an ambrotype or tintype.

The paper is often thin and mounted on card. The surface is commonly glossy, and image colour varies with production and toning. Yellowing and fading can change its appearance. Brown colouring alone therefore neither identifies the process nor dates a photograph precisely.

A Norwegian collection example

Bergen City Archives describes eight albumen photographs by Knud Knudsen in the records of its planning authority. The dated examples range from 1865 to 1904. This documents that particular group, not an absolute usage period for the process. The unmounted photographs had curled into rolls, whereas mounted prints received support from card or board.

Examining an album

Preserve sequence, inscriptions and the associated album. Practical example: record a landscape photograph with its caption and neighbouring pictures before considering a sale. Do not tear a mounted print free to read its back or force a rolled print flat without professional assessment.

Record the known photographer and ownership history, and consider light and fading. Similar subject matter or mounting card alone cannot establish a photographer's authorship.

To offer older photographs or albums for sale, send OBA overall images and available information.