Title: The Massachusetts Centinel

Artist: Published by Benjamin Russell

Media: Black ink

Paper: Cream coloured laid paper

 

This project was performed in collaboration with Book Conservation intern Bailey Kinsky, Fellow Paper Conservator Emilie Duncan and under the supervision of Senior Book Conservator Claire Dekle.

Before I took part in this project, the volume was assessed, photographed before treatment and disbound.

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• Solubility tests of different washing solutions were performed on ink and paper

• Dry cleaning with soft brushes to remove surface dirt and dust​

• Light humidification in humidity chamber and spray

• Washing in immersion of conductivity- and pH-adjusted water

• In certain cases, removal of old repairs with enzymes and rinse bath

• Deacidification in immersion and left to dry between Hollytex and felts

• Sizing with gelatin

• Toning Japanese papers for small repairs and garding

• Tear repairs and trimming

• Light humidification and folding

• Rehousing inside folders and conservation boxes

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