Demounting

[Territ]

I have an interesting project that I need guidance on before leaping into the unknown. The client has 6-8 scrapbook pages of business cards with autographs of famous people. The cards have been glued ("white glue or whatever was at hand") to the scrapbook paper and are attached to both sides of the paper. The issue is how to get them off without damaging bending or creasing the cards. I've thought of using a thin pallet knife to slide under the cards. I'm thinking of mylar photo corners for mounting but don't like the idea of all those shiny corners, suggestions?
There is alot more to the project, framing signed glossies of Elvis, Louis Armstrong, Bob Hope, Jayne Mansfield but the business cards are the most important to him.
I'm looking forward to your suggestions,

Terri

 

[Rebecca]

I suggest refering the client to a paper conservator for the de-mounting part, especially as they are glued to both sides of the scrapbook paper. It can be very tricky to remove these without damage to reverse of the cards.

If you don't have a conservator you work with already, this http://www.aic-faic.org/guide/form.html can help you find one.

Best,

Rebecca

 

[Bill Henry-]

Rebecca’s suggestion is the right way to go. If these are as valuable as you indicate, your client may have to eat the cost of their restoration.

The only other alternative is to trim the cards from the backing, which will leave the adhesive stuck between the backing and the cards. A temporary fix and lousy solution at best.

And, depending upon what kind of glue was used, the adhesive may eventually bleed through the card and stain it.

 

[Rebecca]

Well, I'd change the phrase "eating the cost" to maybe...." investing in their preservation" or some such lol. It's all in our perspective ain't it?

Best,

Rebecca

 

[Territ]

Thanks for your responses, and Rebecca for the list. I''ve talked to 2 conservators and they said that white glue is non-removeable. Any solvent and there were a couple would destroy the autographs. The only option was to cut the cards from the backing, tricky since they are mounted on both sides of the paper. Interesting price structure one was $185. hr and the other $65. hr.

 

[deaconsbench]

Hmmm....interesting problem! It sounds that you may need to consider a two-sided frame package, keeping the cards on the original sheets. Perhaps one with multiple openings. Just a thought...