Removing Creases from Historic Papers
This article originally appeared in Exchange, a
newsletter published by the Wisconsin Historical
Society. (Volume 26, Number
1, January/February 1984) It is the 14th in
a series of articles titled Conservation Corner. The
series features information about maintaining an
adequate environment for the storage and exhibition
of historical collections, employing proper collection
care techniques, and recording and cataloging historical
collections. This article was written by Tom McKay,
retired local history coordinator for the Wisconsinn
Historical Society.
The admonition "do not fold, spindle or mutilate" came along too
late to help many of the paper items in local historical society collections.
A society taking stock of its collections may find that creased, torn,
dog-eared, or folded and bundled paper records are the rule rather
than the exception. While restoring severely damaged paper items may
require the skills of a professional conservator, the local society
usually can take steps to flatten creases and, in special cases, provide
extra support and protection for many of its historic paper records.
Most letters, deeds, broadsides and other documents that consist
simply of paper and ink or pencil can have creases
removed. The procedure involves exposing the papers
to high humidity to increase their flexibility and
applying pressure to remove the creases. The process
begins by carefully inspecting the paper items. Do
not attempt to flatten papers that have wax seals,
embossed markings or other features that can be damaged
by pressure. Do not attempt to flatten vellums or other
special papers made from animal skins. These can be
damaged by exposure to high humidity. Papers that show
evidence of mold growth should not be exposed to high
humidity. Take such items outdoors and brush away the
mold with a soft brush. Place the papers in a closed
container and store them in a cool, dry area with a
temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Papers which
have been infested with mold or which cannot be subjected
to high humidity or pressure will require special treatment.
The Wisconsin Conservation Service Center at the Wisconsin
Historical Society can provide advice, instruction
and assistance.
Flattening folded or creased papers requires making them more flexible by softening the paper fibers. Paper placed in an environment with high humidity will absorb moisture and become more flexible. A local society can create a high humidity environment by using a plastic garbage can, a smaller plastic wastebasket, and a heavy mattress pad. Select a large, new outdoor garbage can and a smaller wastebasket with a similar shape. Put approximately two inches of water in the garbage can. Place the papers to be flattened loosely in the smaller wastebasket. Set the wastebasket in the garbage can and cover the can with a quilted, cloth mattress pad. As the water evaporates, the pad holds the moisture within the garbage can, causing the humidity to rise. However, the moisture will not condense on the cloth pad and drip onto the papers as it might with a plastic or metal covering. Holes can be cut in the upper portion of the smaller wastebasket to increase circulation within the humidity chamber, but be absolutely certain that there is no possibility of water splashing onto the papers. Put a few thymol crystals in the water to help prevent the possibility of mold growth within the garbage can.
The length of time paper items must remain in the humidity chamber
will depend upon the weight of the paper. However,
most items will require at least 48 hours for the paper
to absorb enough moisture for creases to be flattened
without damaging the fibers. When the paper feels slightly damp, it
can be flattened under pressure. Spread acid-free blotter paper on
a smooth table or counter. Lay paper items individually on the blotters
and cover them with a second sheet of blotter paper. The paper at
this stage is weakened and must be handled with care to avoid tearing.
Continue to interleaf blotters and the historic paper items being
flattened. Finally, cover the top blotter with an appropriately sized
piece of masonite — smooth
side down — and apply pressure with weights. A few volumes from
a secondhand set of encyclopedias can serve nicely as weights. The
items must remain under pressure until excess moisture leaves the
paper. This depends once again on the weight of the paper but will
probably be at least 48 hours.
Flattening bundles or boxes of uncataloged papers requires careful attention to detail. The organization of the papers as they were acquired may be helpful to a cataloger. Do not mix the contents of different boxes or bundles in the flattening process. Maintain the organization of the materials as received until the person responsible for cataloging decides how the papers should be organized for access by researchers.
Relaxing and removing creases from historic papers can increase their life and make proper organization and storage possible. However, some of the items may still need extra support or protection. Professional archivists have developed a simple technique that can provide this support and protection to some historic papers and records. That technique is called "encapsulation."
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