The Framers Forum

I have an old newspaper, pages yellowed already and edges crumbled so it is already in a delicate state.
The customer wants to put this on TOP of a mat so that everything can be seen.

The issue is that the newspaper is very delicate and I am afraid that it will break in the process.

There is nothing that can be put on top of it to hold it in place (don't want the glass touching it obviously).

Any suggestions?

Thanks for any tips in advance.

Here is a thread that ran at the US Grumble which might help, once you get past the political undertones http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.ph ... +newspaper

There is a bucket more information there, just do a search and have a good read.
Jim Miller in the US is very knowledgeable in the area of preservation framing, he posted on the above thread at the G

Rebecca Pavitt is a conservator in Canada who should be able to help you out http://fineartconserve.com/

I would strongly suggest that you get a bit of help in stabilising the newspaper before you frame it, or alternatively have it copied, frame the copy and carefully store the original.

Good luck.

BTW welcome to the forum.

There are a few of us on this forum who are able to clean and consolidate fragile and yellowed newpapers and I don't think any of us would say it is an easy task.

Your most straight-forward option is to consult a paper conservator and get them to sort it for you. Don't expect it to be cheap, it's neither fun or cheap to do. Or you could get it scanned, digitally corrected and frame that.

Rebecca did try to register on the forum to give an answer , however the system didn't like any of her answers, from e-mail to password. …………..

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So, the thought she is having is that the easiest and cheapest method to deal with it is to encapsulate, and the most pricey but possibly best for the purpose method is to back with Japanes paper and wheat starch paste, maybe with some water based cleaning and deacidification beforehand.

The most appropriate treatment really depends on the condition of the newspaper (as these can vary considerably) a photograph would help me or others make a more considered/targeted reply.

Above response is from an email Rebecca sent to me.