ブックタイトルConservation and Restoration of Western Paper

概要

Conservation and Restoration of Western Paper

advanced state of deterioration, which maysuffer from additional mechanical damage.Aesthetic considerations are important, asthe paper quality and ink appearance can bedramatically altered as a result of treatment,which is not acceptable when treating worksof art executed with iron gall ink. In suchcases, preventive measures, like local repair,physical stabilization and proper housingand environment are recommended.CCI and LAC have contributed toevolving research on the subject with astudy conducted in 2012 on the comparativeeffectiveness of aqueous treatments of irongall ink. If the ink is not soluble in water orethanol, then washing, followed by phytatetreatment and deacidification with calciumbicarbonate give the best results. Researchalso showed that inks that are slightlysoluble in water but not ethanol can besuccessfully treated in ethanol modifiedsolutions 6 .To aid conservators in consideringtreatment options for iron gall ink artifacts,a flow chart was devised by CCI and LACconservators (Diagram 3). This tool is nowused as part of the protocol in treating irongall ink at LAC. A thorough examinationof the artifact is initially made to identifythe risks and benefits of treatment. Thefollowing diagnostic tools and factors areconsulted to assess the condition of the inkand artifact:? Visual examination to identify thedegree of degradation (Diagram 4)? Bathophenanthroline Iron (II) indicatorpaper to detect the presence of iron (II)ions 7 (Photo 17)? pH of the inked area and the paper? quantity of ink (thickness/color of inklines)? thickness and absorbency of the paper? Spot tests for ink solubilityThe flow chart provides an excellent formof documentation, can be customized tomeet institution needs or priorities, andcan be used as a teaching tool. Dependingon the results of the examination, theartifact is assigned a level of risk of furtherink corrosion, which in turn summarizestreatment options.Aqueous treatment methods, by fullimmersion or local application of phytateby brush or ultrasonic mist on the papersuction table provide options for phytatedelivery. Severely damaged artifacts can besuccessfully treated if mechanical risk canbe minimized when treatment is performedby flotation with specific handling anddrying precautions, as proposed in researchcarried out at the Centre de Recherche surla Conservation des Collections (CRCC) inParis 8 .Photo 17 Bathophenanthroline iron (II) indicator paper67