fotoklipp

Fotoklipp is a physical cut-out photograph sourced from a printed publication such as a newspaper, magazine, or other print material. The term combines the Swedish words foto (photo) and klipp (clip), and it typically refers to an image that has been trimmed from its original context and kept separately for reference, illustration, or memory.

Historically, fotoklipp were common in private scrapbooks, photo albums, school projects, and anecdotal archives. People would cut out compelling or significant images and often mount them in albums, sometimes accompanying them with captions, dates, or source information on the back or on a label. In broader media work, press clipping services and archives collected fotoklipp as part of documentation of news and public events.

Creation and presentation practices vary. Images were usually cut with scissors or a blade, sometimes leaving a white border. Clippings could include only part of a photograph or multiple cuts assembled into a collage. Adhesives such as glue or tape were commonly used, which in time could become acidic and affect the paper.

Preservation considerations emphasize handling and storage. Fotoklipp can be fragile due to aging newsprint and adhesive residues. Best practices include mounting on acid-free backing, storing in sleeves or folders, and preserving under stable environmental conditions to slow deterioration.

In contemporary contexts, fotoklipp are largely historical artifacts, with digital equivalents in scanned photo clippings and online archives. They remain emblematic of pre-digital image culture and personal documentation.