PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Preservation of wallpaper as a part of interiors
our layer. The cylinders are covered with acid-free paper and
the wallpaper layers interleaved with acid-free tissue, 335 such
as neutral blotting paper, a Manila hemp paper or Hollytex. 336
Fragmented, embossed, relief or painted wallpapers should be
transported in oversized archive folders lined with acid-free
paper or tissue. (Fig. 84)
4.2.7. Surface cleaning
Following the monitoring and testing of paper and paint media,
the surface cleaning should be carried out as the first stage of
the conservation treatment on wallpapers preserved in situ as
well as on dismounted wallpapers. This may include the removal
of dust, insect excrement, spider webs, paint residues or other
foreign matter accumulated on the surface of a wallpaper. The
treatment is important for several reasons. First of all, the surface
dirt and dust alter the image and aesthetic appearance of a
wall cover. Secondly, when dealing with several layers of wallpaper,
dirt can cause abrasion between the layers of paper. If
aqueous treatments are planned, loose dirt may be carried across
the surface of the wallpaper and cause staining. 337 Superficial
dirt and dust may even penetrate the surface of the paper and
become attached to the fibres.
Before starting full-scale in situ treatment, it is important to
clean details above the wallpaper, such as cornices, ledges, pelmets
and other surfaces where dust may have accumulated. 338
The most suitable techniques to begin the dry-cleaning of a surface
are hoovering and brushing. Hoovering will help to remove
initial dirt. For the fragile parts of a wallpaper, it is recommended
to use a hoover with adjustable suction levels and various nozzle
sizes and brushes. 339 To avoid further damage to fragile paper
or pigments, one should hoover through a fine gauze stretched
across an embroidery frame, a fibreglass window screening or
335
Collier, “Wallpaper – In and Out of Context”, 60.
336
Deffner & Johann, Restaurierungsbedarf und Denkmalpflege seit 1880, Lascaux
Hollytex 3257, accessed February 20, 2013 http://www.deffner-johann.de/
lascaux-hollytex-3257-34-gm-rolle-120-cm-x-25-m.html.
337
Collier, “Wallpaper – in and out of context”, 54.
338
Ibidem.
339
Ibid., 55.
182