An old map (1933) display from both sides?

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Patricia Kotnour

Patricia Kotnour

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I just received a map that is very brittle and torn in many places, small and not of great value to anyone except the woman who wants it framed. Other than putting it between 2 pieces of glass and standing it up, does anyone have any ideas of how I might display it from both sides without risk of further damage? It is so fragile that I don't want to handle it any more than necessary. Cost is not an issue.
 
Well, if it were mine, I'd put it between 2 pieces of mylar, mat front and back, then put it between 2 pieces of glass and 2 frames back to back and then make a stand for it to stand up...

But that's just me...

betty

Of course, as someone will probably mention, there are conservators...
 
I just did one of these for a customer. I did as Betty said above except the customer was okay that it was available to look at from the other side so we didn't do a double frame package to have it always on display from both sides.

I did this for some antique travel documents recently as well.

For both these customers conservation was part of the discussion.

Roz
 
I suggest you turn to pages 58 and 62 in the January 2005 issue of Picture Framing Magazine. There are two excellent articles on double sided framing that would be useful in your design and concept stage. If you do not subscribe to PFM I would highly recommend it.

Alan
 
If this is a piece larger than 12x16, I would consider using a piece of acrylic in place of that second piece of glass. It'll cut down on the weight, but more importantly, if the piece is ever dropped and glass is broken, it'll be less likely that the map will be totally destroyed.

edie the seenithappen goddess
 
I like Betty's plan.

How big is "small"? If it's large or wrinkled enough that it could deflect the Mylar and make it touch the glass, then I'd add more mat layers to increase the air gap. Don't let the clear film touch the glass.

If you "encapsulate" the map in clear film, place your strips of 3M #889 tape about 1/4" away from the map's perimeter, and cover that area with mat. Makes a nice presentation and gives the paper good overall support.
 
Good idea Edie,

Tell me (anyone) your opinions . . .

If the piece is hanging (removable from wall for viewing back only), would you have the acrylic side (back)placed facing to the wall, where it will be protected from dust and scratches from cleaning etc ?

If AR (anti abrasive) acrylic is available in tyhe US as I've read, why not use it for both sides, (as it protects from UV attack too)?
 
Thanks for the suggestions. The map is 16 x 18 and torn through in several of the folds. It will have to be encapsulated in something to hold it together. It sounds like mylar is my best bet.

I was thinking of using stain glass window moulding to frame it, and then build a cradle holder for the piece that could be hung on the wall. The reason for this is that when the map is laid open half of it on one side is upside down. In order to read it the customer will have to be able to take it out of the holder and turn it. Does this sound like a good idea?

For weight reasons, and since the piece would be in a cradle, I'm thinking that plexi may be a safer way to go. Any ideas of how to build a hanging cradle holder that the map could rest in? Your thoughts about this would be appreciated.
 
Whew.

anyway, the articles in PFM that Alan mentioned are very good. One has a plexi hanging bracket/system that would work great for a project such as this.

(By the way, how did Alan, all the way up in Canada, get his January PFM actually in January? I got mine yesterday... Why don't they just change the date, then it would always be early instead of late!)

Betty
 
Les,
I guess I'd put the acrylic towards the wall, but I don't know if it really matters. And, yep, two pieces of acrylic would be better IMHO, but in my shop glass is a bit less expensive and that could matter to some customers.
Pat,
This is an official request for a picture of that neat sounding cradle if and when...

edie the mylarisourfriend goddess
 
I will be happy to post a picture when the map is done if someone can tell me how you post a picture.
 
Remember that if preservation is an issue, there must be an air gap under the glazing in front, and insulating filler boards in back. It works the same as a double-pane window.

The problem is condensation, which can form inside the mount, between the mount layers. Glass is very prone to condensation when the temperature suddenly becomes warmer inside than outside. For example, when the customer takes it from the 72-degree shop into her 25-degree trunk. Or, if you live in the sunbelt, the same condition develops when it goes from the 150-degree trunk into the 72-degree house.

Acrylic will condense moisture, too, but because it's a better insulator, the temperature differential has to be more extreme.

Insulating the mount with filler boards in back and air gap in front SLOWS the rate of change, allowing the mount to adapt without forming condensation.
 
Another approach might be to have the map (both sides) restored digitally. Any amount of the damage (or all) of it could be restored. Then nice prints could be made of each side and each framed independently.
At the same time you or the client could specify a print size so it could be enlarged or reduced to best fit the application and decor.

I would recommend you insist on a pigment based archival quality digital print (giclee print) on archival paper.

There are several benefits to this service approach.
1. Both sides could be framed and on display side by side without the complexity of reversing the frame and both would be right side up.
2. Furthermore, there is an additional service you can offer your client. You could prepare the map for archival storage (for a fee if you choose) and arrest the amount of degradation the document will experience in the future. While the original is stored away in a safe place the copy can be displayed and appreciated. Of course this is all hinged upon the assumption there are no copyright issues.
3. Additionally, you can provide the client with a digital copy of both the before and after images on a CD so she has the equivalent of a "digital negative" of each. The original map will only continue to degrade and the digital scan saved onto CD documents it at this time and place.
4. Plus the CD and sleeve/envelope/package in which the original is archived both allow you additional quality opportunities to brand you store and service. Don't miss those opportunities. It is easy to professionally label a CD so she and others know who did this great work.
5. Additional, copies? - of course! Maybe others would appreciate a framed copy as well. Once restored any number of framed copies can be made multiplying your revenue.

The company I am with, DigitalCustom, does this sort of digital restoration of documents and photographs. We exhibited at WCAF and will be at both PMA and Decor NYC. We will also have a table top at the PPFA Face to Face evening event in Orlando on the evening of 2/20. If we can be of assistance please contact our office at 866-668-8880 or drop in on our web site at www.image-edit.com or call me at 651-436-2346.

Sorry about this sounding like a plug. We are good at what we do and I am excited about it.

We do business with several Grumblers.

Dave Veilleux
Director of Business Development
DigitalCustom Group
 
Most people believe that conservators are expensive. I'd bet that you could have the fold lines repaired so that the piece was in acceptable condition for under $150. At least that was the cap on the 3 similar jobs that we've had done within the last year. Then when you follow Betty's suggestion, you will not have nearly as many worries.
 
I have to agree with Rick. ;)

Tear repair is a pretty straight forward job, and would probabaly save a lot of trouble in the long run.

Rebecca
 
The problem is that this map was my customer's Dad's and he just died this past week. She doesn't want it altered or repaired in any way. It's old and battered and that is how she wants it to look when it's framed. It won't stand up without being encased in something. I'm stumped and not sure what to do. I have framed many things for this woman and she likes what she likes....so.....what now?
 
Well if it needs to be preserved exactly as is, encapsulation is the way to go. Then advise her on the importance of displaying it in a place that is dimly lit, and has even temperature, to avoid any condensation problems.

With all the matboard that will be in the package, this shouldn't be a problem unless it's in a place with extreme fluctuations in T, and it should be protected from light in any case.

Have fun!
 
I think you are right. She is a doctor and this map will be in her office, so I don't think that it will be a problem with temp. control or too much light. There are no windows. Thanks for the help.
 
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