Conservation is exactly what most prints found today on the market require to make them look better and last longer. Over the years many prints have been subjected to less then ideal conditions.
Old Problems
Wood backings would shrink and split allowing oxidation and contamination to enter from the back which effected the print leaving backboard lines. Acid transferred from the wood also darkened the paper often leaving unattractive knot hole burns.
Prints were stored in attics and basements subjecting them to water damage from leaky roofs or flooding.
Prints were often matted or mounted by Framers. Unfortunately the materials used were not always acid free and would leave mat lines or mat burns.
Newer problem
Print had been cleaned but now has a pimpled feel or look Touching the area leaves a powder on the finger. This is from the bleaching chemical used not being properly neutralized. If left untreated the paper will slowly turn to dust.
These and many other types of problems can be treated so the print will be pleasing to look at while being preserved for future generations.to enjoy.
Conservation Treatments includes the removal of surface dirt from front and back, minor tape removal, de-acidification, resizing and flattening.
Restoration includes the above treatment plus reducing the following effects found on prints: Light margin stains, mat stains, light time toning, folds and creases. The image area is masked for protection during the process on the margins.
Advanced Restoration includes the above two treatments and goes another step further to reduce the heavy staining such as backboard lines, water stains, dark time toning, foxing, mat burn, knot hole burns, etc. The color has more than likely been affected by some of these problems and some loss may occur while working within the image area to reduce them. It may be necessary to do some retouching but it will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Additional services include touching up color in a scraped area, freshing faded colors, or complete recolor of the image, mending tears with paper and adding missing paper. My calligrapher can strengthen lettering and add missing lithographic patterns.
Nondestruction testing is used to determine the extent of deterioration present in a print. From this evaluation recommendations are made for the various Conservation- Restoration Treatments.
Services
Operating a small lab providing the above Conservation and Restoration Services the methods used are considered safe for the paper fibers and generally have no ill-effect on the original hand coloring. Prints processed with this method usually retain a desirable light patina. Completion time depends on the amount of work required but usually takes several weeks.
For a look at what can be done to a print visit "Restoration Examples" . Find what it costs to rectify various problems by referring to the "Restoration Estimate Sheet"
If you have prints with some of the above problems I would be glad to discuss them with you.
Currier and Ives Original
Prints
from the collection of:
George Cohenour
4301 Beaumont Road
Dover, PA 17315
Phone: (717) 292-5345
Orders & Information, e-mail: cohenour@currierprints.com
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