Date: September 2017/August 2018

Supervisors: Sylvia Albro, Julie Biggs, Susan Peckham and Claire Dekle (Paper and book conservators)

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The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, preserving and providing access to millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

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During this one year internship, I was able to perform full examination, documentation and conservation treatment of works of art on paper (engravings, lithographs, drawings, etc). I carried out research on the Tissandier collection on the early history of aeronautics, building a watermark database using transmitted light photography and Photoshop.

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The different works of art treated were varied as well as the conservation practices, from solo treatments to big team projects.

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• Removal of tape and old repairs using aqueous gels, solvents and enzymes

• Removal of acetate lamination (Delamination) and deacidification of a music manuscript

• Various methods of washing, lining and flattening

• Custom fabrication of housing and mounts

• Assisted with the rotation and installation of the exhibition "Exploring the Early Americas," from the Jay I. Kislak Collection.

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I became an active member of the local conservation association, the Washington Conservation Guild (WCG) and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC).

The Library of Congress gave me many opportunities, such as giving talks in front of other professionals and attending numerous talks and conferences, such as the 46th Annual AIC Meeting in Houston, TX.

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