Paper Conservation

ur Paper Conservators are specialists working on different paper supports, analysing problems and producing solutions.

In our conservation laboratory, specialist care is taken of early printed books, archival material, documents, hand written documents, maps and vellum materials. After a complete analysis of the damaged material, solutions are discussed and a plan formulated. Whatever process is used has to be reversible, and that also applies to all the materials used.

Prior to further processing (ie. binding into a book, Mylar encapsulation, boxing, framing, etc. ) a document may have to undergo the following stages:

• Dry cleaning and surface cleaning
  
• Washing and removal of stains
  
• Deacidification
  
• Sizing
  
• Repairs
  
• Consolidation
  
• Pressing
  

For restoration we use a large variety of materials, ie. solvents for stain removal (never bleach), a large variety of Japanese papers, Japanese tissue as supports, bondina, acid-free blotter and mylar. Calf and sheep vellum, fish skins and gelatine glue are used for vellum repairs. Fresh wheat starch/ Japanese rice starch paste is used as an adhesive.

Professional advice on safe handling and storage of materials is discussed with the curator/owner on completion.