Opinions Wanted Vintage heirloom sketches...

[Tatiana]

Hi there! I'm new to the art world and especially when it comes to framing, mounting and preservation. I just received sketches on tracing paper that my great grandmother had done when she worked in NYC marketing. I know the type of paper is thin and not ideal, especially the rolled conditions they were stored in.

I would like to store them or frame them in a safe and secure way now that they're in my possession without risking further damage to the drawings. Has anyone ever preserved, mounted or framed tracing paper drawings before and have any advice for a novice?
Thank you in advance!

& here's an example of the sketches I have

 

[Nikodeumus]

I guess first decide if you want to preserve them through means of archival storage, or if you want to have them on constant display with as little risk as possible.

These are generally two different beasts.

You could obtain actual archival storage materials, keeping the pieces safely stored and only take them out to view when wanted.

You could have them framed with the best possible materials that will minimize risks, but not eliminate 100%.

This is a good place to research archival storage materials:

https://www.talasonline.com/archival-storage

Definitely do research the specific requirements for the type of media of the art.
Many factors to consider.

Try to find an art conservator in your area to consult.

 

[Jim Miller]

Welcome, Tatiana. Your great grandmother obviously was a talented artist and those heirloom images may become even more important over time.

You didn't mention the size of the paper, but it's best to keep it flat. For safe storage, you could use an archival storage box, such as Nik mentioned above. Talas is among the best sources, but there are others.

For framing, you have options. In terms of non-invasive, removable mounting, the most versatile framing designs would involve mats. For example, with at least 1/4" overlap of the mat margin on the paper's edges, you could use full-length edge supports made out of archival tissue or Japanese hinging paper. Some wrinkles may remain from being rolled, but that may be considered a natural feature of the paper.

My choice for framing such valuables would be to use only Museum grade (100% cotton) or Conservation grade (virgin alpha cellulose) matboard for the mounting boards and window mats.

Since the image is a bit faint, I suggest you consider using anti-reflection glazing, such as Museum Glass or ArtGlass UV99.

If you want to frame without a window mat, I suggest an acrylic DCO using Museum Optium Acrylic. This framing design would flatten the paper, too.

 

[MnSue]

It you store them flat, place glassine paper between the tissues...get some from Talas
"Glassine is a smooth, glossy, translucent paper with dust protection and water and grease resistance. It is made from wood pulp and goes through a super calendering process to make it perfect for protecting documents, photos, and products and keeping food fresher without moisture damage."

 

[tedh]

If these were mine, I’d follow the advice above, but before that, get them reprinted after a “photoshop” cleanup. Then simply framed. They’re too good to not display.

 

[Tatiana]

I guess first decide if you want to preserve them through means of archival storage, or if you want to have them on constant display with as little risk as possible.

These are generally two different beasts.

You could obtain actual archival storage materials, keeping the pieces safely stored and only take them out to view when wanted.

You could have them framed with the best possible materials that will minimize risks, but not eliminate 100%.

This is a good place to research archival storage materials:

https://www.talasonline.com/archival-storage

Definitely do research the specific requirements for the type of media of the art.
Many factors to consider.

Try to find an art conservator in your area to consult.

Thank you for the advice and the link! I'll definitely be checking out Talas so I can store them safely in the meantime while I figure out what the long term plan is!

 

[Tatiana]

Welcome, Tatiana. Your great grandmother obviously was a talented artist and those heirloom images may become even more important over time.

You didn't mention the size of the paper, but it's best to keep it flat. For safe storage, you could use an archival storage box, such as Nik mentioned above. Talas is among the best sources, but there are others.

For framing, you have options. In terms of non-invasive, removable mounting, the most versatile framing designs would involve mats. For example, with at least 1/4" overlap of the mat margin on the paper's edges, you could use full-length edge supports made out of archival tissue or Japanese hinging paper. Some wrinkles may remain from being rolled, but that may be considered a natural feature of the paper.

My choice for framing such valuables would be to use only Museum grade (100% cotton) or Conservation grade (virgin alpha cellulose) matboard for the mounting boards and window mats.

Since the image is a bit faint, I suggest you consider using anti-reflection glazing, such as Museum Glass or ArtGlass UV99.

If you want to frame without a window mat, I suggest an acrylic DCO using Museum Optium Acrylic. This framing design would flatten the paper, too.

This extremely helpful and detailed, thank you so much! The sketches are on large sheets that are definitely bigger than standard 8.5x11, though some of their edges are stained or jagged. I'll have to look up some of the mats and techniques you described so I can visualize what you mean, but I appreciate all the info to consider! Thank you again for the detailed advice.

 

[Tatiana]

It you store them flat, place glassine paper between the tissues...get some from Talas
"Glassine is a smooth, glossy, translucent paper with dust protection and water and grease resistance. It is made from wood pulp and goes through a super calendering process to make it perfect for protecting documents, photos, and products and keeping food fresher without moisture damage."

Thank you, this is important to know while I'm storing them in the meantime. I appreciate it!

 

[Tatiana]

If these were mine, I’d follow the advice above, but before that, get them reprinted after a “photoshop” cleanup. Then simply framed. They’re too good to not display.

Thank you! They truly are lovely to look at and admire. I'm so lucky they were rediscovered after so many years since she's been gone here is another interesting sketch wip just because they're too pretty not to share!

 

[Nikodeumus]

I'd certainly consider the advice of having the originals scanned and reprinted by professionals. Display those reroductions so they look more like they would have when first created. Store the originals in archival sleeves/boxes where they'll be safest.
You will then have the option of reprinting these images at any size you want, any time, and as often as you want.
And it will be much easier to approach framing from a somewhat less "conservative" perpective.
Always an option worth considering.