Safe way to remove torn black paper from back of photos?

Question

I received a handful of black and white photos from my Aunt. Problem is, All of them had been glued into a photo album at one time and then were ripped off so they're completely covered on the back with torn black paper. Most of them have writing on the photographs and I'd like a safe way to remove the black paper without damaging the photograph.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

A single-edged razor blade and gum eraser should do the trick without damaging the photos. Just be patient and use the razor to bring up one layer at a time.

Answer 2

Best to leave it alone. Take the photos somewhere to be scanned and digitized. They can then be re-printed as new photos. But trying to remove that stuck-on paper could ruin the originals.

Answer 3

I had that problem once too. I carefully steamed it off. You have to be really really careful as you can damage the picture. But I would honestly take them to a photo place and let them do it.
If you have a scanner you can scan them to your computer and then burn a cd and have them reprinted.

Answer 4

surely this question should be in the photographic section, not genealogy sorry !