When we think of 19th-century photography, the wet plate collodion process often comes to mind. These glass plate negatives, produced between the 1850s and 1880s, captured some of the most detailed and enduring photographs in history. Yet while these negatives are extraordinary in quality, they are also among the most fragile materials families and institutions may encounter in their archives.
For families, wet plates often hold the earliest portraits of ancestors—preserving them safeguards your first photographic chapter.
What Is a Wet Plate Negative?
The wet plate process required photographers to coat a glass plate with collodion and sensitize it with silver nitrate—just before exposure. The plate had to be exposed and developed while still wet, typically within 10–15 minutes. This meant photographers often carried portable darkrooms into the field, sometimes in wagons, tents, or even makeshift boxes that allowed them to work quickly before the plate dried.
The result? Images of unparalleled detail and beauty. Wet plates could capture textures, tones, and sharpness unmatched by many later photographic methods. Skin pores, fabric weaves, and fine architectural details could all be recorded with astonishing clarity. For many historians, this remains the most aesthetically powerful era of early photography.
Technical Sidebar: What is Collodion?
Collodion is a viscous solution of nitrocellulose (also called guncotton) dissolved in a mixture of ether and alcohol. Invented in the 1840s, it became a critical ingredient in 19th-century photography. When poured onto a glass plate, collodion forms a thin, sticky film that can be sensitized with silver nitrate, making the plate light-sensitive. This process had to be done quickly—while the collodion was still wet—giving rise to the name wet collodion process that defined photography from the 1850s through the 1880s.
Collodion hasn’t disappeared with antique photography. Today, it still finds use in medical and industrial applications—as a liquid bandage in first-aid products, as a protective coating for laboratory specimens, and in certain specialized optical and coating processes. In fact, modern “flexible collodion” is a commercial product sold in pharmacies, often used in dermatology to form a protective film over skin. Though no longer central to photography, collodion remains a fascinating example of how 19th-century chemistry continues to touch everyday life.
The Rise of Wet Plate Photography
The wet plate process was revolutionary for its time. Unlike earlier methods such as the daguerreotype, which produced a single unique image, the wet collodion process created a negative on glass that could be used to produce multiple paper prints. This innovation made photography more affordable and accessible, fueling its rapid spread across Europe and North America.
It also coincided with a period of rapid cultural change. Wet plate photography was used to document:
- Portraiture: Families of all classes could now afford formal portraits.
- War and conflict: Wet plates captured haunting images of the American Civil War, bringing battlefield scenes and soldier portraits home to loved ones.
- Exploration: Expeditions to the American West, Africa, and Asia often brought along wet plate photographers, who endured challenging conditions to capture landscapes and cultures previously unseen by the general public.
Why Are Wet Plates Fragile?
Despite their historical significance, wet plate negatives are highly vulnerable:
- Moisture sensitivity: The collodion layer can deteriorate if exposed to humidity.
- Physical fragility: The glass base is prone to cracking or shattering with even minor mishandling.
- Chemical instability: Over time, the silver compounds may fade or corrode, leading to image loss or discoloration.
- Improper storage: Stacked or unprotected plates often suffer scratches, peeling, or even sticking together.
Many surviving wet plates are now over 150 years old, meaning every crack, flake, or chemical reaction risks permanent loss.
Preserving Wet Plate Negatives
At Scanthology, we understand the importance of these artifacts as both art and history. While we specialize in preserving them through non-contact overhead digitization systems, what matters most is that these images are protected—whether you work with us or not. These plates are irreplaceable, and our priority is that they survive for generations to come.
That’s why we are always here as a resource. If you have questions about caring for your collection—even if you’re not yet ready to digitize—we’re glad to offer advice, guidance, and referrals to help you take the right steps.
Three Tips for Self Storage & Digitization
Three things to keep in mind if you’re storing or digitizing wet plate negatives yourself:
- Keep them cool and dry – Avoid basements and attics. Store in stable, moderate conditions to prevent moisture damage and chemical breakdown.
- Store flat and separate – Don’t stack plates without protection. Use acid-free sleeves or boxes to prevent scratches and sticking.
- Handle with care – Always hold plates by the edges with clean, dry hands (or gloves). Never attempt to “clean” the image surface.
Even with the best storage, these plates remain fragile. Digitization is the only way to ensure their images last indefinitely—but in the meantime, careful handling and safe storage make a meaningful difference.
Why Preservation Matters
Wet plate negatives are more than just technical achievements. They represent a moment in history when photography shifted from being a novelty for the elite to a powerful documentary tool available to more of society. From Civil War soldiers to early pioneers, the faces and places recorded on wet plates are irreplaceable cultural touchstones.
By the 1870s, wet plates were gradually replaced by dry plates, which came pre-coated and made photography even more accessible. We’ll explore dry plate negatives in the next post in this series.
That’s why the most important thing is that these photographs get preserved—regardless of who does the work. If you choose to entrust Scanthology, you’ll find a team committed to protecting every nuance with museum-grade care. But even if you decide to take steps on your own, or through another path, we are here as a trusted partner you can turn to for questions, education, and support.
For us, preservation is bigger than business—it’s about ensuring that these fragile glimpses of the past remain accessible, meaningful, and safe for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
By the 1870s, wet plates were gradually replaced by dry plates, which came pre-coated and made photography even more practical for families and amateurs. In our next post, we’ll explore Dry Plate Negatives: The Birth of Everyday Photography—and why they’re often what you’ll find in family collections today.
Ready to Preserve Your Family’s History?
If you’ve uncovered glass plate negatives—or aren’t sure what type they are—schedule a complimentary consultation with a Scanthologist. We’ll help you understand what you have, answer your questions, and guide you toward safe preservation—whether you choose to work with us or not.
