Hello Ron,
Thank you for reaching out to C2C! I believe the chamber you are referring to is a humidification chamber. These chambers expose the item to water vapor which relaxes the paper fibers and allows the photo to be unrolled. They can be made very low cost by using a plastic tub with a lid. Here is a resource for you about how to make one: https://library.uthscsa.edu/2013/10/october-is-american-archives-month-how-to-make-a-humidification-chamber/
Some things to consider - The water used in these chambers should be deionized or distilled. Tap water has impurities that could damage the photos. Additionally, you will need materials for flattening the photos after humidification. This often requires sheets of blotter paper or felts to absorb moisture, boards to keep everything flat, and weights to add on top if you don't have access to a standing press. There are MANY things to consider in this process especially with photographs. I recommend reading the AIC photographic materials group (PMG) wiki for more information: https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/PMG_Humidification,_Drying_and_Flattening#Mounted_photographs
That all being said, if these photos are as fragile as you say, it may be unwise to attempt to unroll them on your own. Photographs are notoriously finicky to flatten and often times a backing is needed to prevent it from rolling up again. Additionally, the emulsion (the image forming layer) is extremely delicate and can become tacky when exposed to moisture. Because of this, I recommend contacting a professional to get your photos flattened. You can find one with AIC's search tool here: https://www.culturalheritage.org/professional-membership/find-a-professional
Best of luck,
Nemi
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Nemi Velez
Collections Care Technician
Case Western Reserve University Library
Cleveland
United States
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2026 17:47
From: Ron Hemenway
Subject: rolled photos how do you preserve them
All,
I am the collection chair of the Rutland Historical Society and we have many long photos that are rolled up. I would like to unroll these photos, but they are very fragile, I know there is a special chamber that can be made to unroll these photos. Does any one have experience either making one of these chambers or if there is any other ideas ?
Ron Hemenway