For the launch of this rehousing project, two pieces were chosen to be pilot examples for future enclosures. To begin, each piece was surface cleaned, and tears mended using toned Japanese tissue and methyl cellulose. The pieces were then individually sandwiched between 2 sheets of mylar and encapsulated on three of the edges, leaving the top edge open. The encapsulated piece was then placed inside a custom enclosure consisting of rag mat board, sandwiched on both sides with a beveled window cut at a 5 mm border perfectly fitting the pieces of paper. Mat board covers were adhered to either side of this “sandwich mount,” using gummed linen tape. A custom portfolio for this was then created consisting of a three-flap enclosure made of 20pt board adhered to an outer cover of blue board and cloth, with ties to secure it closed.
The remaining single-sheet publications, especially those that were particularly fragile, have undergone this treatment method, while booklets have custom-adapted housing for accessibility. Crafting custom housing for this rare material was a component of my training as a pre-graduate program conservation intern. The distinctive housing technique was developed by Laurent Cruveillier, Hoover’s Book and Paper Conservator, during his tenure at University College London - Special Collections. You can watch a video showcasing the inspiration here.
Written by: Emma Ross Reuther
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