PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Preservation of wallpaper as a part of interiors
Japanese Funori algae 359 are used to work locally with fine
brushes on areas of runny pigments. Although the Funori is
applied on a paper in generous quantities, when it dries its bulk
is not apparent and appears matte. 360 Although several of the
consolidants are water-soluble, they can be used for treatments
of wallpaper with cold or slightly warm water.
4.2.9. Facing
Facing is a temporary treatment used to consolidate a printed
layer, as well as a fragile paper base. It is widely used by wallpainting
and easel-painting conservators. The use of this technique
for wallpapers raises interesting ethical questions and
highlights the contrasting attitudes of fine art and archival paper
conservators. 361 In many instances, wallpapers are salvaged
during redecoration, refurbishment or even demolition. Severe
damage caused during their removal often leads to the use of
more radical and interventionist conservation treatments.
There are several positive properties of facing. Besides
strengthening and supporting heavily damaged fragmented
papers, it consolidates flaky paint until further treatments. (Fig.
88) Facing is particularly useful for in situ projects and oversized
wallpapers. It can be used successfully when dismounting
a wallpaper or separating a layered section of several over-sized
wallpapers. Additionally, facing allows fragile and fragmented
papers to be separated, washed and lined. After washing and
lining, facing paper is removed by spraying the recto side of the
wallpaper with distilled water. It is then removed carefully piece
by piece, being careful to prevent any further damage.
Facing includes the adhesion of a support to the printed
surface of a wallpaper, either locally or overall. (Fig. 89) A thin
tissue with a good wet strength is usually used as a support; it
should absorb and transmit water well without excessive shrink-
359
Françoise Michel et al., “Funori, ein japanisches Festigungsmittel für matte Malerei”,
accessed December 8, 2012, http://www.empa.ch/plugin/template/empa/*/20447.
360
Debra Evans, “Funori: A Short Description, Recipe and Source” in JAIC Online (1984),
accessed December 8, 2012, http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/sg/bpg/annual/v03/
bp03-05.html.
361
Collier, “Wallpaper – In and Out of Context”, 56.
190