Paintings on copper foil

Does anyone out there have experience in dealing with 1950s
paintings on copper foil?  A client of mine has a series of very
small paintings (all are approximately 5" by 3") of figures executed
in an unknown paint on thin copper sheet/heavy foil.  They are by
the Native American artist Acee Blue Eagle, and although their exact
date is uncertain, they are likely to date from the 1950s.  They
seem to have been produced as tourist souvenir pieces as they also
have "GREETINGS FROM OKLAHOMA" printed along the base of each panel,
along with the artist's name and a copyright symbol.

Until recently they were apparently showing no signs of
deterioration. However in recent weeks they have started to flake
with the paint layer detaching from the copper surface.

We are looking for any suggestions for sources of help with these
little gems. Thanks,

J. Claire Dean
Dean & Associates Conservation Services
3438 NE 62nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97213
503-331-1972
Fax: 503-331-0762


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:46
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 7, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-46-021
                                  ***