HELP-Preserving/Flattening 70 year old brittle cardboard sign

[Snyder09]

Hello! I’m new to the group. I’m in dire need of help. I have a hand painted 70+ year old cardboard advertising sign that is warped, wrinkled, and extremely brittle. I am trying to frame it but do not want it to crack anymore than it already is. I am mechanically inclined when it comes to anything with a motor/wheels, but I have no idea where to start with this. I’m attaching pictures of what I have and any help/guidance would be much appreciated. If you are semi local to my location, I would be interested in donating in return for you time.

Thanks in advance, and I sure hope I’m on the right page for my inquiry

 

[wpfay]

Hi Snyder09, and welcome to the G.
This requires treatment beyond the realm of framing.
If it has any value, do nothing before consulting a conservator.
https://www.culturalheritage.org/ American Institute for Conservation & Foundation for Advancement in Conservation has listings for specialists in the field.

 

[artfolio]

Underline the last sentence of WPFAY's response and put it in all caps and bold print.

Attempting to flatten old, brittle cardboardis always going to end in tears unless you are highly skilled or very lucky.

If the customer does not want to pay for serious conservation work your best bet is to mount it as is in a deep rebate frame so that it can be displayed and enjoyed for as long as it lasts.

 

[Ylva]

Welcome to the G, Snyder09, and yes you are on the right page

I understand that you are not a framer. As a framer, I would not touch this, not even putting it into a shadowbox. There are no good ways to safely attach it in this current state. If this has value to you, emotional or monetary, consult with a conservator as advised above.
There is no quick and easy way to preserve this by just framing it.