Title: Damn the Tears

Artist: Norman Bel Geddes

Media: Graphite and orange crayon

Paper: Thick cream coloured wove paper

 

This project presented two problems :

- The first one was a major structural problem, due to the assemblage and collage of the various pieces. The models were also probably weakened by previous handling.

- The second problem was major aesthetic degradation caused by dust and grime, with visible oxidized stains left by the adhesive used.

The condition of the set models was very unsafe for handling, storage, or exhibition.

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• Dry cleaning with soft brushes, HEPA filter vacuum, cosmetic sponges and Mars eraser to remove surface dirt and dust​.

• Solubility tests for the adhesive residues and grime. The adhesive was water soluble and residues could be cleaned with a humid brush and pieces of blotter.

• Reattaching the lifted and detached pieces with Japanese paper and wheat starch paste, using metal clips and magnets to hold the pieces in place temporarily.

• Reinforce the structure of each set model with pieces of Japanese paper and wheat starch paste.

• Making appropriate enclosures and supports for storage and future handling (individual boxes for each set model with foam, placed in a bigger box).

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