PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Task of conservation. Case studies
(Fig. 142) In 2011 a number of Chinese wallpaper panels depicting
flowers and birds were discovered in the attic of the palace.
It was decided to form a stylistic whole by combining the
found panels with the ones exhibited in the salon. The wallpapers
were conserved in July 2011–March 2012. The author
had a chance to work on the object, under the supervision of
Markus Krön.
5.4.3. Conservation concept and treatment
The wallpapers had been attached to the wall with the aid of
wooden frames, each panel as a separate segment. To allow for
more thorough conservation treatment, the panels were dismounted
from the wall. (Fig. 143) Before the removal, each wall
was photographed and detailed sketches were made to document
the scheme. Since the new scheme was going to include
only panels with bird and flower motifs, the drawings and photographs
taken of the old decoration were the only references to
the alterations made in the room.
To permit safer and more thorough dry-cleaning of the wallpaper,
the panels were removed from the wooden frames. (Fig.
144) Cleaning a wallpaper still attached to a frame can cause
further damage to the paper and paint layer, which are sensitive
to the pressure and vibration of the canvas.
The panels depicting scenes from Chinese everyday life were
removed from the wooden frames, dry-cleaned and packed, since
they were not going to be conserved and exhibited.
Subsequently, the canvas backing was removed to allow the
panels to be washed and lined. The panels needed to be washed
to reduce discolouration and to soften dark tide-lines. The panels
were washed on blotters, since they were too fragile for submersion
or immersion washing. All of the panels were washed
three or four times to remove the products of degradation that
had caused the discolouration of the object.
Lining was carried out to support the areas damaged by
the network of tears and missing areas. If a wallpaper is going
to be remounted, it is essential to apply a layer of lining as protection
and support for it.
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