AIC's 45th Annual Meeting

Due to the complex origins of paper discoloration and staining, conservators need numerous materials and procedures to address disfiguring elements on artwork. Metals in paper, such as contaminants, brought in environmentally, or intentionally included in the paper pulp, are problematic from a preservation point of view, and can initiate many disfiguring stains.

This workshop looks beyond the treatments (light bleaching, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium borohydride) often used to address cellulose degradation resulting in visible staining, and focuses on the use of ammonium citrates and DPTA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) to reduce discoloration caused by pollution, grime, or paper additives and accidental inclusions.  With lectures that cover chelating agents and buffers combined with a day and half of hands-on treatment exercises, participants will explore methods to reduce discoloration in paper in the form of foxing, mat burn, and other types of staining.   Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of the theories and practices for incorporating chelating agents into treatments as well as practical experience in using chelating agents for common paper conservation problems.

The workshop organizers encourage participation from paper conservators who have little knowledge of chelating agents, but who do have significant experience in the treatment of paper.

Cost: $349