Suggestion Silk map

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Jeannie Franklin CPF

Jeannie Franklin CPF

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
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Nov 26, 2009
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St. Joseph, Missouri
Hello, I had a customer bring in a WW 2 silk map yesterday. The paratroopers carried them in case they needed a way to get out of France on their own. It was folded for many years and has very strong creases. First, how would you remove the creases and second, any suggestions on how you would mount it.
Thanks
Jeannie
 
From what I have read silk is very sensitive to light, even with UV protection. This might be a candidate for unfolding and taking high resolution photos, having some Photoshop done and then printed, keeping the original safe.
 
I'm going to be the devil's advocate on this one.

1) The Smithsonian has all of these that it needs. Unless they have a museum that is
chomping at the bit to eventually get their hands on this (a signed letter of intent).... then
it is either Ebay material.... (might get a couple of hundred bucks or maybe only ten)
or a family heirloom with meaning only them and probably generation.

with that being said.....

2) Conservator is the "PC" way - - as well as safe way to go..... but if the silk is
holding together enough to handle. . . laid flat between two humid (not damp or moist)
towels for the day, and you will notice a huge improvement.

3) Fold creases: Why does everyone want things pristine? Once you have the relaxed
folds - - the minor creases tell the story of being folded up all of these years......
(No Paratrooper was shot for having creases in his map)

4) Layed on a bed of polyester batting, mounted to 8-ply rag.... with a direct over-lay
of Tru Vue's new Optium acrylic. (The coating is as tuff as regular glass..... try the
Stainless Steel test on the sample.... show the customer.. it's an instant sale)
[Larson and some supplier will cut to size at about double the cost/foot of buying the sheet.
We price it based on that cost.)
 
Just had one of these come in, it was a two sided E & E map. Customer wanted to be able to see both sides. We decided to get a hi-res scan of both sides, get them printed on fabric via sublimation and then mount them as normal side by side. We try to post pictures once I get them back from the printer.
 
In lots of ways I agree with Mr. Charlton. But be aware that a humidified silk tears easily while being moved, and that the inks/dyes can run without being submerged -especially the reds. Both you and the client need to be aware of these and other risks.
 
Baer, while the Smithsonian might have more of these than they need, I am sure that the customer doesn't. Caution is always advised when dealing with anything that has historical signifigance.
 
Au contraire, mon frere.

Silk was chosen for these to be printed on for several reasons: a) silk (pure dye silk, that is... for an explanation of the difference between pure dye silk and weighted silk, look it up) is incredibly tough. b) silk will fold down into a tiny size easily c) silk holds up much better than paper when wet, making these maps handy in all sorts of weather. d) if the dyes used were the correct kind, they are remarkably stable.

From Wikipedia... "One example of the durable nature of silk over other fabrics is demonstrated by the recovery in 1840 of silk garments from a wreck of 1782: 'The most durable article found has been silk; for besides pieces of cloaks and lace, a pair of black satin breeches, and a large satin waistcoat with flaps, were got up, of which the silk was perfect, but the lining entirely gone ... from the thread giving way ... No articles of dress of wollen cloth have yet been found."

Ironing silk is easy. I dampen it with a plant mister and iron on a cool setting. I have several silk blouses that get washed and ironed. As to it needing drycleaning women wore UNDERWEAR made out of it, for goodness sake.
 
I read a great book about the spies during WWII, and the subsequent products that
were generated, and passed on to many like the paratroopers. The bomber jackets
were lined with a "pull-out" lining, that was the same silk maps.

The silk was chosen for all of the reasons that Ellen pointed out. Plus, they did have the
correct "ink" not dye that didn't bleed with any kind of moisture (even when my mother
boiled out the starch on the NGS topo maps to make blouses.... the bleach didn't move
the color either... so she had a "map blouse". )

If the paratroops had landed in water, and it had bleed would have been one horror....
but can you imagine what kind of heck a bunch of sweaty summer pilots would have
raise about the transfer of the map from the jacket lining to their uniform blouses?

And back to durability..... there is a coach in the Museum of Carriages in Lisbon that
dates back to the early 1400...... They see it's amazing value because of the huge
pieces of glass (about 16x20) and the "roll-down door window" - - - but I asked if
the red (the most light fugitive color) velvet was the original.... the answer was that
the silk velvet was indeed original to the coach, as was the Shire horse padding covered in
fox fur felt for a soft ride.....
 
Oh, and I forgot the most durable example of silk.....

the sweaty legs of French ladies of the night..... no runs,
but plenty of mileage.
 
I would only use an 8-ply rag, maybe even two.

I always question the term "buffered". . . aspirin was buffered, until
they noticed that the buffering was killing people with blood clots....

I'd stick with just clean pure rag.

The map silk won't be very acidic as they washed the hadies out
of them when they made it.
 
Thankyou

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I think at this point I will let my customer know all of the options offered and let her decide. I can tell you this piece is by far more valuable for its family lines that a dollar value. I will try and post a picture soon. I don't get along with my computer at work, so I will give it my best to post a pic soon.
Thanks again
Jeannie
 
Baer Charlton said:
I always question the term "buffered". . . aspirin was buffered, until
they noticed that the buffering was killing people with blood clots....
Click to expand...

So "buffered" mat board will give us blood clots? Is that your sound logical reasoning?
 
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