Skills and Techinques Summary
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Using knowledge of pest contamination to implement pest control measures (the object was frozen for a sufficient period to eradicate any pests).
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Determining the most effective cleaning method (comparison of gels or spot treatments).
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Utilising methods of repairing and adhering paper.
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Incorporating colour theory into the process of retouching areas that have been restored.
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Maintaining attention to detail.
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Being precision.
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Exercising independence.
Block Print with Frame
Through the application of conservation-grade materials and sympathetic retouching, previous fills in block prints were reversed. An infestation of common booklice had eaten the plywood backing and print. In addition to the infestation, non-conservation grade materials were used to repair the print, which caused further damage to the print.
Before Treatment
The print and frame before treatment.
This image shows the back of the paper with previous repairs as well as the plywood backing before treatment was performed.
With the Dino-Lite, it was possible to observe dead Common Booklices stuck behind sellotape.
A scalpel and tweezers were used to take off the sellotape, taking care not to damage the underlying paper. An acetone solution was applied to cotton swabs in order to remove the previous restoration ink. Several complimentary methods were used to remove dirt, dust, and tidelines from print (including dry cleaning and gel poultice for 5 hours). Starch paste and Japanese tissue paper were utilised to adhere the cut-off piece back to the print. Masa paper was used to fill in the holes eaten by pests. This paper was then sympathetically retouched with gouache paint to match the surrounding area. Indrawing was then completed with a black ink pen. A border of 'off-white' archival paper was selected to surround the print, allowing the faded tidelines to be hidden from view.
Treatment
Completed
After Treatment
The print and frame after treatment.