PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Discussing principles of conservation
is dependent on its ability to fulfil its function. On this basis,
the better an object performs its function, the more valuable it
is. For instance, an object with economic value fulfils an economic
function, 280 and an object with decorative value fulfils a
decorative function. Since the main function of wallpaper is to
decorate, after it has lost its aesthetic properties its value as a
decoration decreases.
To permit more honest conservation, it is important to use
reversible methods and minimize the impact the conservation
process actually has on conservation objects. 281 In some
circumstances, modern techniques and materials which offer
substantial conservation benefits are appropriate. 282 Most of
the traditional techniques and materials known in paper conservation
can be applied to wallpapers. It is common that each
conservator has developed his or her own set of conservation
methods that have proved to be successful. Modern materials
and methods are most commonly involved in the process of
remounting a wallpaper. However, several conservators, such
as Karin Troschke, Markus Krön and Mark Sandiford, promote
the use of traditional Japanese mountings systems or their modern
interpretations. Although, for example, the shoji method is a
modern application in wallpaper conservation, it has been used
for hundreds of years to create a firm foundation for Japanese
artworks and sliding doors. In this sense, it can be viewed as a
traditional method that has found a new function.
Conservation treatments that can be carried out in situ
include dry-cleaning, consolidation of flaky paint layers and
tears, and attaching a loosely hanging wallpaper back to its
support. Additional conservation processes can be applied to
a wallpaper that has been removed from its original location.
These include de-acidification of paper, removal of aciding lining
paper or ripped canvas backing, applying new lining and
stabilizing a mounting system.
280
Ibid., 180.
281
Ibid., 5.
282
The Burra Charter, Article 4 / Paragraph 4.2., 1999.
153