CONSERVATION & RESTORATION
Every work on paper brought to Aquatint is approached as a unique case. The combination of the original materials of production and external agents to which it has been exposed throughout its history, -(e.g. light, heat, humidity and pollutants)- brings a different pattern of deterioration to every object. Therefore, every treatment proposal will be based on a thorough condition assessment of the work. The main goal is to stop deterioration and improve the aesthetic values while retaining as much of the original nature of the work as possible. When the treatment is completed, we strongly recommend having the work framed to conservation standards to protect the item and ensure the preservation and enjoyment of the work on a long-term basis.
Different types of item require different approaches, but whether the primary aims is legibility in the case of documents or aesthetic considerations for works of art, an approach of minimal beneficial intervention is followed where possible to respect the history and integrity of each piece. Treatments include:
- Cleaning: mechanical surface-cleaning; aqueous and chemical cleaning techniques for the removal of additions (back boards and linings, adhesive tapes, patches and old repairs, etc.); removal and reduction of stains, discolouration of the support, debris, foxing, mould and water damage.
- Consolidation of unstable inks and media when they are flaking off the support.
- Chemical and physical stabilization of supports to recover the strength of the item: stabilization of the paper’s pH when it is very acidic and discoloured; repairs of tears; infilling of missing areas; re-attachment of detached areas; local reinforcement of weak areas and lamination or lining when necessary.
- Colour retouching of losses.
- Providing
protection
for long-term storage or display:
- Storage solutions: construction and provision of bespoke archival envelopes, sleeves, folders and boxes. Construction of tailored window mounts and hinging of the artwork according to museum standards.
- Protection for display: providing tailored window mounts made from archival materials; providing bespoke conservation framing; replacement of glazing to UV-filtered glass.
- Conservation packing. When working with international clients, we can protect the restored item to travel safely.