JAIC 1981, Volume 20, Number 2, Article 11 (pp. 126 to 138)
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Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1981, Volume 20, Number 2, Article 11 (pp. 126 to 138)

THE CONSERVATION OF THE VAN RENSSELAER WALLPAPER

Marjorie Shelley


ABSTRACT—The historical background, analysis of materials, and conservation of the 18th century hand-painted van Rensselaer wallpaper is discussed. The paper, which was hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1931, had to be dismantled, conserved, and re-hung, coinciding with the re-building of the new American Wing. Protection of the damaged surface governed the course of treatment, the major aspects of which are described: detachment of the paper from the walls, facing with soluble nylon, removal of adhesives and backing materials with enzymes, and multi-layered lining and mounting on portable panels which can be set into the walls.

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Copyright © 1981 American Institute of Historic and Artistic Works