Kristi Westberg's Conservation Portfolio: Flat Work

Private Work: TR004

Of the airline posters I received this one was in the worst condition. The thin paper it was printed on combined with poor storage caused a great deal of damage along the edges of the poster. Like the others this poster was dry cleaned and tape was removed prior to humidification. Temporary repairs were applied to areas of great weakness along the edges for added support during humidification and lining. Once the preparation work was completed the poster was lined with Japanese paper and paste. Areas of loss were then filled with repair paper. On completion the poster was more stable and able to lay flat.

Poster before conservation

Close up of bottom left hand corner before conservation

Close up of bottom left hand corner after conservation

Close up of top right hand corner before conservation

Close up of top right hand corner after conservation

Poster after conservation

Private Work: TR003

I received this poster along with several others that had been stored in rolls. The client was keen to frame several of his collection, however they needed relaxing, repair and lining before framing. Prior to any wet repair the poster was dry cleaned and several pieces of tape were removed from the front and back of the poster. Additionally, several temporary repairs were applied to the poster before relaxing and lining, this gave stability to the weakened areas before the lining was applied. Once relaxed the lining was applied with wheat starch paste and the areas of loss were filled with repair paper. On completion the poster was stronger and able to lay flat.

Poster before conservation

Close up example of damage before conservation

Close up of paper repair to bottom right corner

Poster after lining and repair

Private Work: TR002

I received this poster as part of a private collection of airline posters. On receipt they were tightly rolled and unable to lay flat. In addition there were a number of tears around the edges from poor storage. In order to strengthen them I decided to line the back with a thin Japanese tissue using wheat starch paste. Additional cosmetic repairs were required on the front of the posters where tears and losses had occurred. On completion the poster was relaxed and able to lay flat in preparation for display.