Paper conservation is concerned with the preservation of historic and artistic works with a base structure of paper or parchment. These works can be found in the form of prints, drawings, photographs, maps, letters, certificates, legal documents, seals, stamps, ledgers, books and bound items.
The science of paper conservation involves techniques to both chemically and physically stabilize the base structure in conjunction with the visual media. The visual media can be a singular or complex combination of substances: inks, paints, pastels, charcoals, pencils, crayons and any number of photographic materials.
Paper based materials are inherently fragile and especially vulnerable to excessive pollutants, humidity, light, heat and mishandling. These factors damage the primary support in the form of embedded grime, mold growth, distortion, tears, punctures and losses. The same factors can affect the visual media causing friability, fading and lossed. Damage to the visual media as well as the underlying base structure can also transpire as a result of well- intended previous repairs or poor framing material. The reulting damage is often seen in the form of surface abrasions, skinning, staining, and discoloration. Accidental damage as a result of a fire or flood disaster can manifest the above-mentioned conditions in the extreme.
Through preventative measures and conservation treatment, a paper conservator can mitigate the effects these elements have had upon the object, reduce their aesthetic distraction and temper future degradation. Treatments can range from simple measures such as climate control, suitable framing or storage housing, to multifaceted restorative procedures. Some examples of these procedures include surface cleaningm media consolidation, washing, alkalization, stain reduction, planar re-establishment, backing removal, structural repair and loss replacement. Remedial and preventative services can be designed to address individual items or entire collections.
Learn more about the proper ways to store and transport your works on paper.
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