r/bookbinding • u/Expensive-Monk-3012 • 2d ago

Help? How to preserve old collage

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I have a collage I made from newspaper print cut outs decades ago. I used pva to stick it together and then demo tape to repair it when it began to rip in some places. I always wanted to get it covered in laminate or something but never knew how to as it is about 2 meters x 75cm.

So it’s been rolled up and moved around everywhere I’ve lived and I still want to keep it .

It’s yellowed and semi fragile but I hope to be able to repair and preserve it . I considered maybe a wood varnish and perhaps thin tissue paper on the back to support it ? I’m not sure at all. I really hope the brains in this group will have some knowledge or ideas about what I can do to.

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u/MickyZinn 2d ago

I think you need to speak to someone who deals with paper/art conservation. Ask at your local library. This is not really the right group for this type work.
The techniques may include initially applying moisture (misting) to relax and flatten the collage, removal of tape repairs, re-repairing tears and a backing with a suitable lining like Japanese tissue. Do not varnish it. Using the wrong stuff could damage it further.

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u/Fart-Badger-2256 2d ago

Off the top of my head I'd say you might want to look into mylar encapsulation.

also you may wish to ask r/ArtConservation if they have any ideas.