Mounting How to mount large fragile maps?

[Dallasci]

Hello experts,

I'm fairly new to the picture framing biz and have come across a challenge that I'm not sure how to handle. A customer has brought me 2 large, old, and fragile maps that they want mounted and framed. In the pictures (this is the worse of the 2) you can see it is cracked and torn and wouldn't support it's own weight. The customer would prefer to keep the timber hangers but I could convince them to lose them if DCO is the only way to go. My other thought was to adhere them to a new canvas backing. These do not need to be treated with full preservation techniques but just maintain their appearance and character as much as possible. I'm not aware of any conservators in my area to send them to but I could ask the customer to have this done prior to framing. I do not have a vacuum press so that may limit my options. Hoping the brains trust here can help me out.

Thank you

 

[Prospero]

I would say they were beyond framing. Even encapsulation is likely to cause severe damage.
A skilled conservator could maybe stabilise them to some extent, but apart from finding someone
with the skills the logistics of getting them to the conservator are not to be underestimated. There is
also the expense involved.

I would give some thought to getting a print done of them and framing that. Then make a box for the
actual maps and store it in a safe place undisturbed.

 

[framah]

Yeah...pass on it.
I have had more than a couple come in like this and have given a hard pass.

Remember, we aren't magicians...or miracle workers.

 

[Jim Miller]

First choice would be to frame a reproduction and save the original in a proper container.

If you can get the customer's approval to remove the wooden rails, then this might be a good candidate for acrylic DCO mounting. By gently pressing all of the pieces together against a padded background fabric, they should remain in place, and flat.

However, keep in mind that the deterioration will continue - especially the fading from visible light, even if you use 99% UV filtering acrylic. Eventually it would be impossible to read.

 

[Nikodeumus]

In situations like these I ask the customer some important questions:

1- "Is there any monetary or sentimental value to these items?"
2- "Are they concerned more about preservation, or decoration?"

Displaying items this fragile may cause further harm in the long term without careful consideration.
If the items have value, preservation should be the primary concern.
Sometimes not displaying a truly valuable item is the best way to preserve it.

I would explain the risks and challenges (and costs) of framing them in the condition they are in.
I also would offer to photograph and reproduce those maps.

Framers will approach this differently depending on their own experience and tools available.
I have a small photo studio set-up with a DSLR camera and studio lights. I also have a couple of scanners.
So digital reproduction isn't an issue here.
Not many frame shops have these tools and experience in house, so this method may not be as convenient for them and therefore a less attractive alternative.

It would be possible to digitally "repair" the damaged areas at far less cost than what a conservator level restoration of the actual map would be.
Perhaps reprinted on canvas or other textured fine art paper for a similar esthetic look.

Digital reproduction accomplishes a few things:
-does no additional harm to the original items.
-the originals can be more safely preserved with proper long term storage materials and techniques, (not on display everyday).
-it's easy to perform enhancements to restore faded lines and text, repair damage, cracks, stains, etc.
-digital imaging can be reproduced at any size
-digital images can easily be shared with family and friends to enjoy (and also reproduce if they wished)
-digital images are easily reproduced at any time in the future without repeatedly removing the originals from safe storage.

Some people do not like the idea of displaying a reproduction for a number of reasons such as; personal or emotional attachment, perception of value, (and more I'm sure).
And I get that, it's a totally valid point of view too.

If you do decide it is preferred to frame the actual original items, just be sure to practice any unfamiliar techniques until you are confident you can perform the procedure on those irreplaceable items without harm.

Good luck, let us know what you decide (and post pictures when its done!)

 

[WyomingArtFrame]

Hello experts,

I'm fairly new to the picture framing biz and have come across a challenge that I'm not sure how to handle. A customer has brought me 2 large, old, and fragile maps that they want mounted and framed. In the pictures (this is the worse of the 2) you can see it is cracked and torn and wouldn't support it's own weight. The customer would prefer to keep the timber hangers but I could convince them to lose them if DCO is the only way to go. My other thought was to adhere them to a new canvas backing. These do not need to be treated with full preservation techniques but just maintain their appearance and character as much as possible. I'm not aware of any conservators in my area to send them to but I could ask the customer to have this done prior to framing. I do not have a vacuum press so that may limit my options. Hoping the brains trust here can help me out.

Thank you


View attachment 42051View attachment 42052

OH my gosh. Is there any way you can frame them inside another frame? We recently had to tackle a similar project.

 

[Miranda Smith]

Firstly, the maps are beyond help from a conservator.
The paper is mounted to a linen gauze backing and if this is removed, ( which is first thing a conservator will do), you will end up with confeti.
The paper is too brittle be rehumidified etc. We have discussed this with 3 paper conservators in recent times. The cost will be very high also.
A reproduction copy is an option as previously mentioned. But it is very easy for digital reproduction costs to be high. You would need between 5 to 10 hours,,,or more, digital time restoring each map, depending on size etc. then you add scanning and printing costs. you need to use a flatbed scanner . Do not try and photograph it as it won't be clear.
We have done the above and it never cheap.
We have also successfully done the direct contact method. The static of the acrylic is useful for supporting the map.
In the two attached recent images, we attempted conservation work on the smaller 2nd map, then resorted to direct contact overlays. Client happily paid the 4 figure amount, even though we found a digital copy of the exact 1951 map in our National Library archives, to print.
In the 1st attached very large 2metre x 2 metre map, we went straight to the scan and digital restoration version. over 15 hours of digital restoration. $$$$ but client happy. He will get the original map returned to him.

(I have "after" images, but sitting in airport and don't have the images with me)

 

[Dallasci]

Thanks for all of your advice. I have informed the customer that the maps can't be mounted as is and recommended them to be photographed, touched u, and re-printed which they have agreed to do. A good outcome.

 

[Nikodeumus]

Marindas post (#7) had a good nugget of advice.
From the photos you posted it looks as though there is an information block at the bottom with a number.
I'm not familiar, but is that a land/property map of public record?
Is it possible to see if that map is already digitized in an archive somewhere?
It could save a tremendous amount of time and money if your customer can obtain a high quality digital version already prepared (probably in better condition).